tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78238471956146412362018-08-30T09:02:57.473-04:00Windowboxes and WeissbierGleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15773353532012642583noreply@blogger.comBlogger527125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-90966490745061575832014-01-07T12:44:00.001-05:002014-01-07T12:44:35.651-05:002013 Book ListHas everyone been waiting with bated breath for my 2013 reading list? &nbsp;My goal for the year was 50 novels and I'm happy to say that I actually made it to 60 this year. &nbsp;Considering I now have a 7 week old baby and a 3 year old, this won't be happening again for a couple years, at least. &nbsp;I've given the books below "stars", 5 being the best and 1 being the worst. &nbsp;I would say that all my 4's and 5's are books that I would definitely recommend to read. &nbsp;This is not to say that the 3 star books weren't good, they just weren't as memorable. &nbsp;Don't bother with the 1's or 2's. &nbsp;There were plenty of great ones this year and I'm looking forward to what 2014 will bring reading wise, even if it isn't in mass quantities! &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><div>&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-indent: -48px;"><b><u>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; December</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And When She Was Good by Laura Lippman – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Bridget Jones: Mad About a Boy by Helen Fielding 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>November<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>October<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson – 4 Star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell –3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>September<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty –3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank –3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer – 1 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Hypotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro—5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>August<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwak – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Gilbraith – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>July<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What Alice Forget by Liane Moriarty – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler – 1 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Widow Waltz by Sally Keslow – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sisterland: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld –4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth Silver – 1 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>June<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Yonahlossee Riding Camp For Girls by Anton DiSclafani –3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>May<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Smart One by Jennifer Close – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Burgess Boys: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>April<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wild by Cheryl Strayed – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>March<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Playdate by Louise Millar – 2 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The First Husband by Laura Dave – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">An Innocent, Abroad by Ann Leary – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wonder by R.J. Palacio – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last Night at the Chateau by Lauren Weisberger – 2 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Fault In Our Stars by John Green – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner – 2 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner – 2 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Outtakes From a Marriage by Ann Leary – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>February<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A Week In Winter by Maeve Binchy – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Loving Frank by Nancy Horan – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u>January<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Liars Club by Mary Karr – 2 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Good House by Ann Leary – 4 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jesus Land by Julia Scheeres – 5 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Life Among Giants by Bill Boorbach – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Sky Is Everywhere by Janda Nelson – 3 star<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson – 2 star</div></div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-78760969787490173292013-11-21T13:40:00.000-05:002013-11-21T13:40:19.220-05:00Little Piglet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZSd3epb-Ek/Uo5ESF_sa1I/AAAAAAAADDs/BkvYOJ3K4Dc/s1600/photo-430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZSd3epb-Ek/Uo5ESF_sa1I/AAAAAAAADDs/BkvYOJ3K4Dc/s640/photo-430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>No one in either the Gleaton or Deaner clans have ever been accused of being a dainty eater. &nbsp;Charlotte is not going to be the exception to this rule. &nbsp;After three consecutive days of weight loss (completely normal just like any newborn) she appears to have turned the corner. &nbsp;She was born at 3 pounds 12 ounces or 1700g. &nbsp;After day one she lost 50g or 1.7 ounces, the second day 20g or .7 ounces and day three a loss of 10g/.35 ounces more, weighing in at approximately 3 pounds 9 ounces. &nbsp;As of today she was back up to 1680g or 3 pounds 11.2 ounces. &nbsp;I think by tomorrow, knock on wood, she will be back up to her birth weight. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJKdqZ7qz8/Uo5HI56uQgI/AAAAAAAADD4/ct7t5q_TY_w/s1600/photo-428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJKdqZ7qz8/Uo5HI56uQgI/AAAAAAAADD4/ct7t5q_TY_w/s400/photo-428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above is the first time that Deaner and I got to watch her take a bottle. &nbsp;I am pretty sure it was on Tuesday night but honestly all my days are blurring together right now. &nbsp;I couldn't believe that she took the whole thing but she did, and I was impressed. &nbsp;The NICU nurses told us that they feed her from a bottle every time she is wide awake but that she gets milk through her feeding tube if she is drowsy or sleeping. &nbsp;I've been pumping and while I'm not producing much at all, I think she started to get my milk today. &nbsp;Since she is under 33 weeks my milk has to be frozen for 24 hours before she can have it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfCZn2KAMQ4/Uo5IQuGqfHI/AAAAAAAADEE/mu6jzO9-qt8/s1600/photo-427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfCZn2KAMQ4/Uo5IQuGqfHI/AAAAAAAADEE/mu6jzO9-qt8/s400/photo-427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I don't think that Charlotte has that alien look that many preemie babies but seeing her next to Deaner's hands sort of gives an idea of just how small she is. &nbsp;It always surprises me when they lift her out of her "carrying case" for me to hold, just how tiny she is. &nbsp;Those are preemie diapers that practically wrap around her twice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IffHW2JfuAc/Uo5IdwG4PtI/AAAAAAAADEM/yEjfNYLVNy0/s1600/photo-429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IffHW2JfuAc/Uo5IdwG4PtI/AAAAAAAADEM/yEjfNYLVNy0/s400/photo-429.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;The preemie binky practically takes up her entire face. &nbsp;It's a huge difference from having an almost eight and a half pound chunker the first go around.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZe7s5b4BmU/Uo5I0SEBesI/AAAAAAAADEU/88sWwHeWzuk/s1600/photo-431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZe7s5b4BmU/Uo5I0SEBesI/AAAAAAAADEU/88sWwHeWzuk/s400/photo-431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is her scary live long and prosper greeting. &nbsp;Evans was very concerned that the picture was blue but it was just the light from someone else's bilirubin light. &nbsp;We have been trying to make it up the hospital twice a day on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays when Evans has school but Tuesdays and Thursday we take one long visit. &nbsp;Imagine Deaner's surprise when our across the street neighbors came through the hospital doors this afternoon while we were there visiting. &nbsp;He initially thought perhaps they were there to see us (though this didn't make any sense since no one but us can see Charlotte) but it turns out that their three year old had a Lego stuck in his nose. &nbsp;Pretty comical (probably not as much for them). &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are looking forward to seeing if Miss C gained any weight tomorrow morning and getting to snuggle with her the best we can. &nbsp;It's sad to leave her there every night but at this point, I would be way too scared to bring her home even if that was an option. &nbsp;For now we will just keep having positive weight gaining hopes for Charlotte!! &nbsp;I'll post more when we have some more updates!&nbsp;</div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-26893671408649499512013-11-19T09:05:00.001-05:002013-11-19T09:05:24.430-05:00Well That Was Interesting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nrdGH7sTUo/UoiLFLYjvCI/AAAAAAAADCs/yeTe0UD7Luo/s1600/photo-425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nrdGH7sTUo/UoiLFLYjvCI/AAAAAAAADCs/yeTe0UD7Luo/s640/photo-425.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>Well, someone was a little bit impatient about making her entrance into the world. &nbsp;Oh what a whirlwind the past few days have been. &nbsp;I've gone from crying that I have to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks to keep this baby in, I've cried because I supposedly had the worst gas pain known to man, I cried because no one believed that I was in as much pain as I was claiming to be and FINALLY I cried when the third doctor actually announced that I was in fact in labor, had been in labor and that I was going to need a c-section immediately! &nbsp;Nothing is ever routine in this family, that is for sure. &nbsp;It all started on Friday night when Richard and Evans were about to leave for the evening. &nbsp;I told them that I was having some weird pains in my stomach but we wrote it off as gas pain. &nbsp;The pain continued through the night until I finally called a nurse at 5:30am. &nbsp;These so called gas pains were coming every 5-8 minutes yet no one seemed concerned because no contractions were registering on the fetal heart monitor. &nbsp;I saw the monitor myself and the contractions were a flat line. &nbsp;This story is way too long to type as I sit here waiting for Deaner to pick me up at the hospital to go home but the bottom line is that two doctors were completely dumbfounded that I appeared to be having contractions but not on paper. &nbsp;Thank god the third doctor made the swift decision that I was going to have the baby, and have her immediately. &nbsp;Deaner had already left the house WITH Evans in tow to come visit me. &nbsp;It was a FRANTIC ten minutes of calling neighbors and friends to take Evans so Richard could make it up to the hospital in time. &nbsp;I feel badly for the people that I actually spoke to on the phone because I was in such blinding pain at that point I was yelling at everyone. &nbsp;Our savior neighbor Nina was able to grab Evans as Deaner dumped him off in their driveway and speed to the hospital at the speed of light. &nbsp;I was on the OR table about to get an epidural when I finally heard his voice that he has made it. &nbsp;Charlotte arrived about 12 minutes later. &nbsp;Whew. &nbsp;I am out of breath just typing that. &nbsp;I saw her in a blur of them rushing her to the nicu doctor and couldn't believe how small she was. &nbsp;She weighed in at 3 pounds 12 oz and 16 inches long. &nbsp;I don't need to point out that this is less than HALF the size of her 8 pound 4 oz and 21.7 inch long big brother however, this size is fairly remarkable for a 30 week 5 day old baby girl. &nbsp;She is perfect in every way and has been doing wonderfully. &nbsp;She has been breathing on her own since birth and has a pretty spunky personality for such a tiny baby.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czQPlnscR_k/UotvKKZ9iBI/AAAAAAAADDI/G_WV-rAPxng/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czQPlnscR_k/UotvKKZ9iBI/AAAAAAAADDI/G_WV-rAPxng/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x99ZFQN0hNk/UotvCOHq6tI/AAAAAAAADDE/HlteG32PEt8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x99ZFQN0hNk/UotvCOHq6tI/AAAAAAAADDE/HlteG32PEt8/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This birth, while FAR more dramatic than the last one, has been 100% easier for me. &nbsp;I don't know what the difference is between this c-section and the last one but I have not once felt like I was going to die from the pain this time around. &nbsp;Perhaps it was better doctors perhaps it was my mindset but I was up and walking on Saturday evening and by Sunday I was feeling like a million bucks. &nbsp;I'm sitting here waiting for Deaner to pick me up now because I have been released from the hospital. &nbsp;I can't wait to be in my own house with my two boys. <br /><br />Charlotte won't be so lucky and we are looking at several weeks in the NICU you, at least. &nbsp;We are looking forward to watching her grow and get stronger and are praying that we have her home with us by Christmas. &nbsp;Poor Evans can't see her and this whole baby thing has been sort of anti climatic for him since we are talking about this baby who he hasn't even been able to see yet. &nbsp;I feel badly for him but hopefully she will be worth the wait! &nbsp;I'll have more updates as we get them and I have plenty of pictures to post. &nbsp;Keep us all in your prayers. &nbsp;We are going to need them! Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-54461058331462786362013-11-15T06:30:00.000-05:002013-11-15T06:30:08.644-05:00Unexpected Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7vpwyT2umY/UoX9s7GldPI/AAAAAAAADCU/Ohb9ojdwQH0/s1600/photo-424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7vpwyT2umY/UoX9s7GldPI/AAAAAAAADCU/Ohb9ojdwQH0/s640/photo-424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>To say that we have really been gearing up and getting ready for baby Charlotte to make her entrance into the world after the New Year would be an understatement. &nbsp;I've put the finishing touches on the nursery, including my friend finding this awesome rug that works perfectly with the colors we already had, bought diapers in bulk and purchased new Dr. Brown's bottles etc. &nbsp;I've had several people laugh at me and comment on my OCD but it doesn't really bother me, better to be safe than sorry, right? <br /><br />I was pretty pumped to find out that in Germany I would be able to schedule a repeat c-section at 38 weeks instead of 39 like in the States. &nbsp;When you are 30.5 weeks pregnant things start to become significantly more uncomfortable with each passing day and a week early sounds like a dream come true. <br /><br />I saw my doctor two weeks ago and Charlotte looked great weighing in at 3.5 pounds already! &nbsp;WHAT? &nbsp;I started to freak out a little that I might give birth the first 18 pound child ever on earth. &nbsp;What would I do with such a giant baby?? &nbsp;She better not come out too big for all those precious gowns I've been stock piling! &nbsp;After fretting for a few days and basically getting over my fear of a huge baby, imagine my surprise when I woke up yesterday morning, got up to pee for the 8th time that night, and felt my water immediately break. <br /><br />This couldn't be right. &nbsp;All I could think over and over was that I was only 30 weeks and this is way too early. &nbsp;After I decided that this was not something that could be ignored I was able to rouse Deaner awake after only a short conversation about how I was not trying to tell him "his clock was broken" but that in fact, my "water had broken" and yes we did need to go ahead and get up. &nbsp;This shot him into action. &nbsp;A quick call to my doctor confirmed that I needed to go by ambulance to the hospital immediately. &nbsp;A little dramatic for me, and I would have preferred the paramedics not track mud inside and all over my rugs, but what. ever. &nbsp;Evans was shipped to the neighbors and we were off to the ER. <br /><br />To make a very long story shorter, it was confirmed that my water did break. &nbsp;Not the news we were hoping for but Charlotte was looking good. &nbsp;The docs explained that we have several goals over the next few weeks. &nbsp;Thankfully my cervix is still closed and I was not having contractions. &nbsp;They immediately started the steroid shots to help develop her lungs so she can breath on her own when she does decide to come. &nbsp;Keeping her inside for the next 72 hours will allow those drugs to take full effect. &nbsp;The next goal is to stay infection free until 34 weeks when they will deliver her no matter what. &nbsp;This gets tricky since my water has already broken so I'm on an antibiotic drip for the duration. &nbsp;They said there is a small chance that the membrane will repair itself and my fluids will replenish. &nbsp;I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I personally don't think that is likely. &nbsp;I am also not a medical professional. <br /><br />So, here I am. &nbsp;Lying in a hospital bed. &nbsp;Peeing in a pot because I'm not even allowed to get up to use the bathroom. &nbsp;Missing my hair appointment this afternoon and fantasizing about how my hair will look when my highlights grow out to my ears. &nbsp;This thought is second only to how bad my hair must currently look after not being washed for two days and just how much worse it will look it is going to look if they seriously don't let me shower for a week. &nbsp;I honestly can't imagine anything worse. &nbsp;Except the prospect of being here for three weeks with hospital food for three meals, crappy wi-fi, and no husband or son. &nbsp;Sigh. &nbsp;Things are rough right now. &nbsp;The silver lining is that Charlotte is still a little piggy and weighed in yesterday at over four pounds, so if she does decide to grace us with her presence sooner rather than later, she at least will be a decent size for a 10 week premature baby. &nbsp;I'm still hoping to hold out until 34 weeks AND keep my sanity but............we will see. &nbsp;I should have plenty of time on my hands to blog and I'm taking any and all book suggestions right now. &nbsp;I may set a record for reading more in 2013 than ever before! &nbsp;Keep us in your prayers! &nbsp;Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-72036061788460865402013-09-18T14:25:00.000-04:002013-09-18T14:25:45.016-04:00New Room Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkOmGTzJTts/UjnPxtAJJhI/AAAAAAAAC_E/o7GpVxXzNgw/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkOmGTzJTts/UjnPxtAJJhI/AAAAAAAAC_E/o7GpVxXzNgw/s640/IMG_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Anyone who has read this blog for an extended period of time will remember my obsession with Evans's nursery decorating. &nbsp;It pretty much consumed all my time for four months but in the end was totally worth it. &nbsp;With baby GIRL arriving in January I needed to start thinking about switching some things up in the nursery. &nbsp;First line of business was to get Evans' new big boy room situated. &nbsp;Thankfully we had two extra spare bedrooms on the 4th floor of our house (yes, 4th floor, God help me if Evans' ever falls asleep in the car and requires carrying upstairs). &nbsp;One room became the playroom (which one day I'll post pictures of the finished product, when I actually finish it) and the large guest room is now Evans' new play wonderland. &nbsp;The above picture is how the room looked to our guests who have stayed with us over the years. &nbsp;The room will continue to serve as the guest room when we have people come to stay however, they will have to deal with the train theme that has replaced the plain-ness. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JELhBzuCUWs/UjnSSVOaDEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/iJ6RqWN9184/s1600/photo-407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JELhBzuCUWs/UjnSSVOaDEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/iJ6RqWN9184/s400/photo-407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The process of getting this room ready to redecorate was not without obstacles. &nbsp;When we moved in here four years ago the military issued us several of these hideous, large, disgusting "schranks". &nbsp;They are free standing closets because German geniuses don't have built in closets. &nbsp;Except when Georg (remember him?) built our house 30 years ago, he actually WAS a genius and therefore we DO have closets. &nbsp;We took the schranks from the base as extra storage but as the years have gone by, they have eventually ended up stuffed in this corner, in the last space available in the furthest corner of the house. These were the topic of several hot debates in our household. &nbsp;Do we keep them or lose them? &nbsp;Move them down to our basement and use as storage or call the base to come haul them away? &nbsp;After weeks and weeks of discussion I made the final decision that if I wanted them moved to the basement, I would need to get a different husband. &nbsp;Back to the base they went. &nbsp;No love lost.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4K-LCu51ng/UjnSGRGlOKI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/KyKasgbthYI/s1600/photo-405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4K-LCu51ng/UjnSGRGlOKI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/KyKasgbthYI/s400/photo-405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So we had just a little bit of a disaster as I prepared to paint the entire room (including 15ft ceilings).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0kyckETP0Q/UjnSYwOckpI/AAAAAAAAC_k/wK59_4dnETI/s1600/photo-406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0kyckETP0Q/UjnSYwOckpI/AAAAAAAAC_k/wK59_4dnETI/s400/photo-406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I really really wanted to sand all this natural wood and paint it a color to go with the train theme but Deaner vetoed this idea saying that "it wouldn't look right" and that I "might not know what I was doing". &nbsp;I guess we will never know. &nbsp;I am quite thrilled with the way that the room turned out. &nbsp;After a fresh coat of paint (it's sort of irritating that y'all can't tell how much better it looks since it is white) everything looked refreshed. &nbsp;Since Evans has had a small obsession with trains for the better part of his short life, it was the obvious theme. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BUPIGw2SGY/UjncCV8SUSI/AAAAAAAADAE/7PY4B-7pJXw/s1600/photo-408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BUPIGw2SGY/UjncCV8SUSI/AAAAAAAADAE/7PY4B-7pJXw/s400/photo-408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I could not be more thrilled with how the bedding from Pottery Barn Kids turned out. &nbsp;I bought this bedding when we were home at Christmas after much hemming and hawing but I love it. &nbsp;I bought navy sheets to match and I'm currently looking for some nice cozy flannel sheets for our subarctic winters. &nbsp;You can see the one thing that doesn't match in the room but the Lightning McQueen light fixture was a must (and I couldn't find a train light). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jORJ7T2U1Hc/UjnlQop_w7I/AAAAAAAADAc/m-Cw0lLFZN4/s1600/photo-417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jORJ7T2U1Hc/UjnlQop_w7I/AAAAAAAADAc/m-Cw0lLFZN4/s400/photo-417.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;I love the train station clock that we ordered from Hobby Lobby and mounted on the exposed beam. &nbsp;The light fixtures are train station-esque and I found them at the German equivalent to Home Depot for seven euro a piece. &nbsp;A steal, in my opinion. &nbsp;The canvas above the bedside table was done by my awesome friend Melinda at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetinyb">The Tiny b</a>. &nbsp;She originally painted it for Evans' second birthday party but it's perfect next to his new bed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Di9q4Mk4lXc/UjnrNGl1OdI/AAAAAAAADBA/YjfjY6RRZBI/s1600/photo-418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Di9q4Mk4lXc/UjnrNGl1OdI/AAAAAAAADBA/YjfjY6RRZBI/s400/photo-418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I can't wait to see the name canvas that she is painting for baby girl. &nbsp;Stay tuned for that one. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYFFbnrqSQM/Ujnb7254HsI/AAAAAAAAC_8/_LUUwR4hDC4/s1600/photo-410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYFFbnrqSQM/Ujnb7254HsI/AAAAAAAAC_8/_LUUwR4hDC4/s400/photo-410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a small debate (my mother didn't think it was a good idea) we moved Evans' train table into his room from the play room next door. &nbsp;I partially made the decision because I think that the table makes the room and partially because we need the space in the playroom to set up the single bed that will be Evans' temporary home while we have guests. &nbsp;Either way, he loves it and hardly ever wants to come downstairs these days. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky6CEnTOXu4/UjncCKJIPAI/AAAAAAAADAI/dsA5jVzQM6s/s1600/photo-409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky6CEnTOXu4/UjncCKJIPAI/AAAAAAAADAI/dsA5jVzQM6s/s400/photo-409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last great part of the new room are these vintage train posters that I found on ebay. &nbsp;They look awesome on what would otherwise be a big blank wall. &nbsp;They are train line advertisement for different lines in Europe. &nbsp;I love them! &nbsp;The huge wooden choo-choo from Buddy and Susie for E's 2nd birthday also has a home on top of the armoire. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMaHHyWZByM/UjnsOyIyWFI/AAAAAAAADBM/z1K1IU59XWs/s1600/photo-419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMaHHyWZByM/UjnsOyIyWFI/AAAAAAAADBM/z1K1IU59XWs/s400/photo-419.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, that is our new "eye in the sky". &nbsp;Otherwise known as the new video monitor we finally broke down and bought. &nbsp;With Evans being on a different floor than us and not caged into a crib anymore, we need to make sure there is no night wandering going on. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB6wAxL_f5g/UjnlYjt0b2I/AAAAAAAADAo/fjjZoGlqxys/s1600/photo-416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB6wAxL_f5g/UjnlYjt0b2I/AAAAAAAADAo/fjjZoGlqxys/s400/photo-416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>All and all I am super pumped with how it all turned out. &nbsp;We moved Evans up for his first night in his new room on Monday night. &nbsp;It was rough going and after three trips upstairs I finally fell asleep with him and we had a slumber party. &nbsp;The next afternoon he cried and cried to go back into his crib and I let him. &nbsp;Tuesday evening Evans informed Deaner that the reason he would not sleep in his new bed is because he was very scared of the.........wait for it.........alarm clock on his bedside table. &nbsp;Really? &nbsp;The clock? &nbsp;We made a big production of taking the alarm clock out of his room, he announced he was no longer scared and he went straight down without a peep. &nbsp;Go figure. &nbsp;Deaner has since figured out that the first night we spoke to Evans over the new monitor two way talk feature, telling him to lie down, and he thought it was the alarm clock talking to him. &nbsp;Needless to say we will NOT be talking to him again through the monitor. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;We are all set for night three and are hoping for a repeat of good behavior. &nbsp;There were a few attempted jail breaks today during nap but I'm hoping it was an isolated incident. &nbsp;Maybe one of these days I'll get around to blogging about the rest of our trip to Provence! &nbsp;We'll see! Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-50281262023051996692013-08-12T06:30:00.000-04:002013-08-12T10:55:53.444-04:00The Gleatons Do the South of France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35pIFDenG20/UgiWxGvGOVI/AAAAAAAAC7c/lgSSECq3WMM/s1600/photo-385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35pIFDenG20/UgiWxGvGOVI/AAAAAAAAC7c/lgSSECq3WMM/s640/photo-385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A more accurate title would be The Gleatons, Deaners and Lukes do the South of France but that was a little bit long winded. &nbsp;When my Mom had the idea for a family European trip this summer I was all for it. &nbsp;What could be better than all my family coming to our side of the pond for a visit?! &nbsp;Provence was settled upon and tickets booked. &nbsp;Deaner and I decided it would be best for us to drive the 8 hour drive so that we would have my giant car once we arrived. &nbsp;An 8 hour drive isn't so bad....right? &nbsp;We decided to break it into two days and spend the night in the champagne region of France in Reims the first night. &nbsp;We figured we would drive 5 hours the first day and 3 hours the next day on to Isle Sur La Sorgue. &nbsp;Piece of cake. &nbsp;We did not anticipate that our departure date would coincide with every single other German and French person on earth. &nbsp;Our simple 5 hour drive turned into a NINE HOUR trek. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0d4G2ov7gjw/UgibaAUtgyI/AAAAAAAAC7s/lG_z2zxWjTY/s1600/photo-403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0d4G2ov7gjw/UgibaAUtgyI/AAAAAAAAC7s/lG_z2zxWjTY/s400/photo-403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Evans didn't seem to mind once we got to the hotel and he was able to stretch out on our huge bed with the Mama pink kindle. &nbsp;He was such a good traveller, even pulling his own suitcase (full of toys).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFrEhQlRD7g/UgibaFqkwwI/AAAAAAAAC7w/sxDgNmP8vLU/s1600/photo-404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFrEhQlRD7g/UgibaFqkwwI/AAAAAAAAC7w/sxDgNmP8vLU/s400/photo-404.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Saturday morning we set off for L'sle Sur La Sorgue with high hopes of meeting Buddy and Susie at the villa by noon. &nbsp;Damn those other vacationers! &nbsp;Our simple three hour drive turned into a FIVE HOUR drive before we FINALLY arrived. &nbsp;Thankfully the villa and the company were worth the wait!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ME_y8Sp_epo/UgidhARg0QI/AAAAAAAAC8E/iSO8trMZhXM/s1600/photo-382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ME_y8Sp_epo/UgidhARg0QI/AAAAAAAAC8E/iSO8trMZhXM/s400/photo-382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Evans got to enjoy appetizers by the pool sans clothes. &nbsp;Lucky for him that his preference is very Euro and widely acceptable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c98qwrAyD4/UgieJpXYSkI/AAAAAAAAC8M/1hffUb9hhnw/s1600/photo-388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7c98qwrAyD4/UgieJpXYSkI/AAAAAAAAC8M/1hffUb9hhnw/s400/photo-388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>No one seemed to mind!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfbwTLakpls/UgieJ7khXrI/AAAAAAAAC8U/b1CHGXHmk-w/s1600/photo-383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfbwTLakpls/UgieJ7khXrI/AAAAAAAAC8U/b1CHGXHmk-w/s400/photo-383.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who knew our child loved Boursin so much? &nbsp;He adjusted nicely to the French wines and cheeses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrZe14c4NCM/UgieohLLv-I/AAAAAAAAC8c/wCVxUyVlTIA/s1600/photo-390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrZe14c4NCM/UgieohLLv-I/AAAAAAAAC8c/wCVxUyVlTIA/s400/photo-390.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Ok, it was only sparkling water but I didn't even like sparkling water when we first moved to Europe!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2387WsLtPE/UgifGwwPfoI/AAAAAAAAC8k/DgS4oKp_55U/s1600/photo-386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2387WsLtPE/UgifGwwPfoI/AAAAAAAAC8k/DgS4oKp_55U/s400/photo-386.JPG" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday night we stayed in and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive. &nbsp;We hit up the grocery store in town to stock up on wine and when I say we stocked up, I'm not playing. &nbsp;Too bad I couldn't partake in any of it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWJUrq-5enA/Ugife9KF4VI/AAAAAAAAC8s/6AHZ96c66CI/s1600/photo-384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWJUrq-5enA/Ugife9KF4VI/AAAAAAAAC8s/6AHZ96c66CI/s400/photo-384.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTNgEpfUV1M/UgiflzmpSJI/AAAAAAAAC88/YDU5LmKxOME/s1600/photo-387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTNgEpfUV1M/UgiflzmpSJI/AAAAAAAAC88/YDU5LmKxOME/s400/photo-387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU0IVdx2DDw/UgifhIyhXKI/AAAAAAAAC80/rd0G40WI1lI/s1600/photo-389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU0IVdx2DDw/UgifhIyhXKI/AAAAAAAAC80/rd0G40WI1lI/s400/photo-389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our first full day in Provence was spent at the l'sle sur la sorgue antique market. &nbsp;I'm still wondering where all the antiques were but they had the next best thing! &nbsp;TEA TOWELS!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JafnKVFfFEA/Ugigeml5hkI/AAAAAAAAC90/R54hirZIzs0/s1600/photo-398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JafnKVFfFEA/Ugigeml5hkI/AAAAAAAAC90/R54hirZIzs0/s400/photo-398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And CHEESE!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZUadvUwTac/UgigB4l9y7I/AAAAAAAAC9M/H6Brj0m5fN0/s1600/photo-392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZUadvUwTac/UgigB4l9y7I/AAAAAAAAC9M/H6Brj0m5fN0/s400/photo-392.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>And stunning views.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CfjnqhuV68/UgigT2PT73I/AAAAAAAAC9s/pKDbyr1SCLU/s1600/photo-395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CfjnqhuV68/UgigT2PT73I/AAAAAAAAC9s/pKDbyr1SCLU/s400/photo-395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dcpk3Ru2OE/UgighHWIWZI/AAAAAAAAC98/Spj-_b24Zeo/s1600/photo-397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dcpk3Ru2OE/UgighHWIWZI/AAAAAAAAC98/Spj-_b24Zeo/s400/photo-397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpkcfmNYr9A/UgigQUn6yAI/AAAAAAAAC9g/pfgcZVWS5hc/s1600/photo-396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpkcfmNYr9A/UgigQUn6yAI/AAAAAAAAC9g/pfgcZVWS5hc/s400/photo-396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPBOncPIZY/Ugigqak__fI/AAAAAAAAC-M/UEPpuIrwvjI/s1600/photo-400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPBOncPIZY/Ugigqak__fI/AAAAAAAAC-M/UEPpuIrwvjI/s400/photo-400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Deaner was my official tea towel holder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sgmxh6jNo0/Ugif7z9IO0I/AAAAAAAAC9E/X-21jZa5FR8/s1600/photo-391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sgmxh6jNo0/Ugif7z9IO0I/AAAAAAAAC9E/X-21jZa5FR8/s400/photo-391.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know he was thrilled. &nbsp;Evans was in heaven having "Omple Sam" to tote him around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmrhtWM7IkQ/UgigPOV2vKI/AAAAAAAAC9c/0ub23FOm1iE/s1600/photo-394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmrhtWM7IkQ/UgigPOV2vKI/AAAAAAAAC9c/0ub23FOm1iE/s400/photo-394.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And cars to ride! &nbsp;This is the child who has never been interested in a carnival ride in his life. &nbsp;Buddy took him over the cars and bought him 5 rides. &nbsp;I thought, well, that was a waste of money! &nbsp;Lo and behold, Evans got right on and even handed the ticket man his own ticket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0AKLq5pmp8/UgigJ9MzB3I/AAAAAAAAC9U/NCMlaScvifE/s1600/photo-393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0AKLq5pmp8/UgigJ9MzB3I/AAAAAAAAC9U/NCMlaScvifE/s400/photo-393.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was just the beginning of his new car ride obsession that Dada is happy to indulge. &nbsp;I need to find my iphone cord so I can transfer the rest of the France pictures to my computer. &nbsp;It took way too long to email all these to myself from my phone. &nbsp;I promise to get that done asap but considering Evans wet the bed at 4:30am and I was up changing sheets, I think I will allow myself a nap this afternoon (who am I fooling really? &nbsp;I nap everyday). &nbsp;Stay tuned for the rest of the week! &nbsp;</div><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-40474595477530558912013-08-06T09:12:00.000-04:002013-08-06T09:12:20.249-04:00Walt Disney Toon Studios and the "Real" Lightning McQueen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkO_e8e0Gdk/Uf9jfZxFy0I/AAAAAAAAC3c/WCGN5u5LONs/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkO_e8e0Gdk/Uf9jfZxFy0I/AAAAAAAAC3c/WCGN5u5LONs/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Day two in Disneyland Paris dawned BEAUTIFUL and clear and slightly warmer than the three days previous. &nbsp;Evans was primed and ready to find the "real" Lightning McQueen which he kept warning us was "somewhere around here".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAW2LzBNghg/Uf9jf-R3ssI/AAAAAAAAC3o/yanyAO19WsA/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAW2LzBNghg/Uf9jf-R3ssI/AAAAAAAAC3o/yanyAO19WsA/s400/IMG_3570.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We started out at the cars stunt show as we arrived just in time to catch the first one of the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDV7sK-xDV4/Uf9kU49gX2I/AAAAAAAAC30/1j7jeNJW3TE/s1600/IMG_3579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDV7sK-xDV4/Uf9kU49gX2I/AAAAAAAAC30/1j7jeNJW3TE/s400/IMG_3579.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Oh the joy when Lightning McQueen made his appearance!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zocZIS3ZSNU/Uf9kg-AjU6I/AAAAAAAAC4A/alN_1B8qW6s/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zocZIS3ZSNU/Uf9kg-AjU6I/AAAAAAAAC4A/alN_1B8qW6s/s400/IMG_3606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doesn't get much better than that. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_cobBK6UME/Uf9k930oYUI/AAAAAAAAC4E/8K7TlDHP618/s1600/IMG_3583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_cobBK6UME/Uf9k930oYUI/AAAAAAAAC4E/8K7TlDHP618/s400/IMG_3583.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh wait, it does. &nbsp;Toon Studios has it's very own Lightning McQueen ride. &nbsp;This was the equivalent of the Casey Junior from Day one.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tg1CzYwBBU/Uf9mCoYhZ-I/AAAAAAAAC4U/MGg-3aB5fz4/s1600/IMG_1707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tg1CzYwBBU/Uf9mCoYhZ-I/AAAAAAAAC4U/MGg-3aB5fz4/s400/IMG_1707.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daddy was required to go on the dizzy rides though I did get roped into this one at least once.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EquPjl__zA/Uf9mKDAiBFI/AAAAAAAAC4g/UdAorhAfhx4/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EquPjl__zA/Uf9mKDAiBFI/AAAAAAAAC4g/UdAorhAfhx4/s400/IMG_1713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think they liked it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0_NwVX7NMs/Uf9mPsjYIMI/AAAAAAAAC4o/icgWnqx4p9Q/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0_NwVX7NMs/Uf9mPsjYIMI/AAAAAAAAC4o/icgWnqx4p9Q/s400/IMG_1717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkcmld7vsoI/Uf9mXdF4gzI/AAAAAAAAC4w/HEucpLFsZUc/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkcmld7vsoI/Uf9mXdF4gzI/AAAAAAAAC4w/HEucpLFsZUc/s400/IMG_3647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Stg3nNfAIE/Uf9mbtTCFJI/AAAAAAAAC44/uqrS4xKYfjw/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Stg3nNfAIE/Uf9mbtTCFJI/AAAAAAAAC44/uqrS4xKYfjw/s400/IMG_3648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a quick lunch in a Mickey Mouse high chair (this was the 37 euro fast food lunch I was referring to in my post yesterday) it was right back to Lightning McQueen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gggT-hZrFkU/Uf9nkU9yPFI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/08z1pO9-4Pg/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gggT-hZrFkU/Uf9nkU9yPFI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/08z1pO9-4Pg/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And happy to be back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgDi0w4M2ok/Uf9nFVR9OPI/AAAAAAAAC5E/7mZw7tzv2NQ/s1600/IMG_3661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgDi0w4M2ok/Uf9nFVR9OPI/AAAAAAAAC5E/7mZw7tzv2NQ/s400/IMG_3661.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I actually got suckered into riding this go around so I was able to include myself in a picture.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRFSauUB0-A/Uf9nR187JzI/AAAAAAAAC5M/GMKdGkQqXoE/s1600/IMG_3663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRFSauUB0-A/Uf9nR187JzI/AAAAAAAAC5M/GMKdGkQqXoE/s400/IMG_3663.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1edDfXOWYKI/Uf9namG6IBI/AAAAAAAAC5U/K4bm7_tghCI/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1edDfXOWYKI/Uf9namG6IBI/AAAAAAAAC5U/K4bm7_tghCI/s400/IMG_3668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is safe to say that while we really really enjoyed all of Toon Studios, we really took advantage of the Lightning McQueen attraction. &nbsp;E loved the live Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show as well as Handy Manny etc. &nbsp;It was a little harder to get pictures inside the live shows but I would highly recommend them to anyone with little ones. &nbsp;After spending most of the day at the Toon Studios we heading back to Disney for a few more hits on the Casey Junior before snagging a good spot for the parade.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbM4z8FZOco/Uf9pXNy-EOI/AAAAAAAAC5s/wGT41EZKXEM/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbM4z8FZOco/Uf9pXNy-EOI/AAAAAAAAC5s/wGT41EZKXEM/s400/IMG_3681.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZales07EsM/Uf9pW3LSGdI/AAAAAAAAC5o/XeaX2ACNALA/s1600/IMG_3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZales07EsM/Uf9pW3LSGdI/AAAAAAAAC5o/XeaX2ACNALA/s400/IMG_3693.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A quick ride on It's A Small World.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVD_ET1la88/Uf9p1d_tJPI/AAAAAAAAC54/GOH0F6vpVss/s1600/IMG_3713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVD_ET1la88/Uf9p1d_tJPI/AAAAAAAAC54/GOH0F6vpVss/s400/IMG_3713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A stop for a $15 balloon. &nbsp;(which I should at least disclose lasted close to a month)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlEYLI66XI/Uf9qVDBvEoI/AAAAAAAAC6A/aPyT7zxRW2Q/s1600/IMG_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlEYLI66XI/Uf9qVDBvEoI/AAAAAAAAC6A/aPyT7zxRW2Q/s400/IMG_3723.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little dinner at Planet Hollywood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz_lcSy9Llw/Uf9qePs-kcI/AAAAAAAAC6I/9epkn_5ZdJE/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz_lcSy9Llw/Uf9qePs-kcI/AAAAAAAAC6I/9epkn_5ZdJE/s400/IMG_3734.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And an excruciating visit to the Disney Store where so many things were purchased that I don't even want to see the American Express bill from May. &nbsp;Daddy is such a sucker! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwz-zs4UlG8/Uf-c5CQLciI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/xxuu_h17nDY/s1600/IMG_3740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwz-zs4UlG8/Uf-c5CQLciI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/xxuu_h17nDY/s400/IMG_3740.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, that is a Lightning McQueen rolling suit case. &nbsp;Only my kid would go into a store full of toys and pick out a suitcase as his souvenir! &nbsp;He is a very practical traveler. &nbsp;Not to mention that there was a case full of tub toys inside the suitcase!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okh4g7XwI8U/Uf-dU8xwXsI/AAAAAAAAC6g/OvTcA1AzmXA/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okh4g7XwI8U/Uf-dU8xwXsI/AAAAAAAAC6g/OvTcA1AzmXA/s400/IMG_1749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were pretty much packed to the gills coming home with Disney paraphernalia. &nbsp;See the suitcase right next to him? &nbsp;All in all I would say that it was a great family weekend getaway but if you want to try this same trip, beware that it all adds up quickly. &nbsp;I simply laugh to myself now when I see that there are actual books written on how to do Disney on a budget. &nbsp;Those folks are in denial. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JS5bVb1z74/Uf-ecoG6UpI/AAAAAAAAC6w/cX7ayFW3dHc/s1600/IMG_3321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JS5bVb1z74/Uf-ecoG6UpI/AAAAAAAAC6w/cX7ayFW3dHc/s400/IMG_3321.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that we all felt the same way after this vacation but it was totally worth it. &nbsp;Now if I can just talk the boys into going to the beach next time. &nbsp;They are already starting to talk about Disney again and while I liked it enough................</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-7974478312732633142013-08-05T08:55:00.000-04:002013-08-05T08:55:11.701-04:00Disneyland Paris for Dummies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGuPouYFycQ/Uf9TOt5D6tI/AAAAAAAAC0E/YKN9-dxDeaY/s1600/IMG_3429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGuPouYFycQ/Uf9TOt5D6tI/AAAAAAAAC0E/YKN9-dxDeaY/s400/IMG_3429.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>So let's just face facts upfront. &nbsp;If you go to Disneyland Paris, you are a dummy. &nbsp;There is really no way around it. &nbsp;Once we accept the fact that there are no "real" deals to be had, no way around the exorbitant prices and no super smart ideas for avoiding lines, everything will be a bit easier to deal with. &nbsp;Be prepared to spend the money on entrance tickets even when they are 20% off, be forewarned that you will spend $50 on a fast food like meal for lunch and that you WILL spend more time in line than actually riding rides. &nbsp;If you are okay with all the above, which we were, you are good to go! &nbsp;We can single handedly thank British Sky Free Sat for our decision to take Evans to Disneyland this past May. &nbsp;Thanks to their aggressive ad campaigns, which aired every other commercial on the children's tv channel, we could hardly say no when Evans asked us every 5 minutes to take him to the 20th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris. &nbsp;Deaner didn't need any excuses and consequently Mama was given a weekend in Paris/Disneyland for Mother's Day 2013. &nbsp;I didn't complain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHisbe0rxK8/Uf9VpTO0CCI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/pmPiUmscMUM/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHisbe0rxK8/Uf9VpTO0CCI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/pmPiUmscMUM/s400/IMG_3437.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One would think that May is a no brainer month to make the pilgrimage to Europe's version of the Magic Kingdom. &nbsp;School is still in session so the crowds should be manageable and by late May, the weather should be tolerable. &nbsp;Well don't go getting any ideas. &nbsp;We were both crowd challenged and weather challenged if you can't tell by winter ski jackets the week before JUNE arrived. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqWG_XHcYkE/Uf9XAVk0h7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/-DSuSukhwQo/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqWG_XHcYkE/Uf9XAVk0h7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/-DSuSukhwQo/s400/IMG_1610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully it didn't seem to bother either of my two children much. &nbsp;Deaner and I talked extensively before this trip about our concern that we would arrive and Evans would refuse to go on any rides. &nbsp;He isn't exactly know for his sense of adventure or bravery. &nbsp;We were pleasantly surprised when he jumped directly into the teacup with Daddy and had a ball. &nbsp;I think Daddy did too. &nbsp;I was concerned about the concept of actually waiting in line but even that wasn't too big of an issue. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZYst4fOBlw/Uf9X8fcaaAI/AAAAAAAAC0s/FUujyOzeAYY/s1600/IMG_3460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZYst4fOBlw/Uf9X8fcaaAI/AAAAAAAAC0s/FUujyOzeAYY/s400/IMG_3460.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully we waited 55 minutes to meet Mickey Mouse. &nbsp;Can't you tell how excited Evans is to get to the front of the line?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OICY06gLBhI/Uf9Yb6zj28I/AAAAAAAAC04/dF3g2wK4ivk/s1600/IMG_3479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OICY06gLBhI/Uf9Yb6zj28I/AAAAAAAAC04/dF3g2wK4ivk/s400/IMG_3479.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay well he might have psyched us out a little bit with this on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxIZVI3cgmA/Uf9Y38JSIPI/AAAAAAAAC1A/qMdt6Eh7RT8/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxIZVI3cgmA/Uf9Y38JSIPI/AAAAAAAAC1A/qMdt6Eh7RT8/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turns out he didn't want to meet the Mouse as much as we thought it did. &nbsp;Once E got over the initial shock and fright of seeing Mickey, we were able to take a picture........with the Disney professional photographer.....for the small price of 18 euro, which Daddy gladly purchased. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zy5_fbSfNzU/Uf9ZvH1XnSI/AAAAAAAAC1M/sRbH8zvsSUQ/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zy5_fbSfNzU/Uf9ZvH1XnSI/AAAAAAAAC1M/sRbH8zvsSUQ/s400/IMG_3492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Deaner and I did wonder after the fact why, for 18 euro, they couldn't have photoshopped the shine off our faces. &nbsp;Evans was still a little unsure of Mickey but he sure likes the picture now. &nbsp;Don't forget to get the 3 euro cardboard souvenir frame. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDI8qpRtSv8/Uf9auA6hkiI/AAAAAAAAC1c/SHSkK_AxjXc/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDI8qpRtSv8/Uf9auA6hkiI/AAAAAAAAC1c/SHSkK_AxjXc/s400/IMG_1638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that everyone will be surprised to find out that one of Evans' favorite rides in the entire park was the Casey Jr. choo choo train. &nbsp;I think we rode it four times the first day. &nbsp;30 minutes is a long time to wait for a 2 minute train ride. &nbsp;Thankfully Evans's parents love him.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDgZDRTwefU/Uf9bhJU_6oI/AAAAAAAAC10/tqZ5ERr_vGY/s1600/IMG_3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDgZDRTwefU/Uf9bhJU_6oI/AAAAAAAAC10/tqZ5ERr_vGY/s400/IMG_3511.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daddy might have been a little nervous on this one. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVIXQHiqAUE/Uf9cd7BIVMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/vr6ilfG1GLs/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yVIXQHiqAUE/Uf9cd7BIVMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/vr6ilfG1GLs/s400/IMG_3516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a day of riding nearly everything age appropriate, Evans reverted to his old self and absolutely refused to ride the carousel. &nbsp;Forget it. &nbsp;Because why ride something so babyish after a day of real adventure?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tScT1KIiZ8I/Uf9c6n83JII/AAAAAAAAC2M/tOahSsWgQaU/s1600/IMG_3524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tScT1KIiZ8I/Uf9c6n83JII/AAAAAAAAC2M/tOahSsWgQaU/s400/IMG_3524.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is anyone seeing the pattern of Deaner/Evans pictures? &nbsp;Thankfully they had a mom along to document their trip! &nbsp;Best part of the day was the parade down Main Street each afternoon at 5:30. &nbsp;Who doesn't love these characters (at a safe distance)?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ZCcr31qoY/Uf9eVwUuLdI/AAAAAAAAC2k/b0VjiKN_Cts/s1600/IMG_1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ZCcr31qoY/Uf9eVwUuLdI/AAAAAAAAC2k/b0VjiKN_Cts/s400/IMG_1663.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPSocz52upI/Uf9eAoVoGuI/AAAAAAAAC2g/e4n88PHdQGc/s1600/IMG_1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPSocz52upI/Uf9eAoVoGuI/AAAAAAAAC2g/e4n88PHdQGc/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYHQzGwi95g/Uf9eX36fq2I/AAAAAAAAC2w/7oZ8FDw9J98/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYHQzGwi95g/Uf9eX36fq2I/AAAAAAAAC2w/7oZ8FDw9J98/s400/IMG_1687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the only helpful tips I read before visiting Disney was that it was best to watch the daily parade as close to the start of it as you could. &nbsp;Therefore, when the parade ended you could bolt and catch a ride with no line before the masses finished watching. &nbsp;This worked for us and we were able to snag a ride on Dumbo without waiting for two hours. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PXq6ZlcbPY/Uf9fVGvU7wI/AAAAAAAAC28/DZtRN5u7XBo/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PXq6ZlcbPY/Uf9fVGvU7wI/AAAAAAAAC28/DZtRN5u7XBo/s400/IMG_3560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_XWlwd-LvQ/Uf9frh5Wi6I/AAAAAAAAC3E/Wa1yIvv56Ak/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_XWlwd-LvQ/Uf9frh5Wi6I/AAAAAAAAC3E/Wa1yIvv56Ak/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a good thing we were able to get right onto Dumbo because somehow we ended up with the only lame elephant on the whole ride. &nbsp;That's right. &nbsp;Our bunk elephant wouldn't take off from the ground! &nbsp;If I had waited two hours for that ride I might have demanded another turn. &nbsp;This was our last ride of the day so I was sort of over it by that point. &nbsp;As you can see the weather cleared some by the close of day one. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kfj9K9WSyww/Uf9gAi6E0lI/AAAAAAAAC3M/EkbK14Vel7w/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kfj9K9WSyww/Uf9gAi6E0lI/AAAAAAAAC3M/EkbK14Vel7w/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was really no way we were going to make it until 10:30 for the Fantasy Dream fireworks and I think we left around 7pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5ylIQquvp4/Uf9bTDcszmI/AAAAAAAAC1w/RRn3Qon5rXs/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5ylIQquvp4/Uf9bTDcszmI/AAAAAAAAC1w/RRn3Qon5rXs/s400/IMG_1649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">None too soon for this little camper.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxFHXAfd740/Uf9bG2iIReI/AAAAAAAAC1o/gDScFTiJYA4/s1600/IMG_3499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxFHXAfd740/Uf9bG2iIReI/AAAAAAAAC1o/gDScFTiJYA4/s400/IMG_3499.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We did have to rest up for Day two and the "real" Lightning McQueen. &nbsp;Seriously though, how do people take 7 day Disney vacations? &nbsp;I was EXHAUSTED after day one and while I can partly blame some of that on being newly pregnant, I imagine this sort of thing could wear anyone out! &nbsp;Stay tuned for Day 2 and Walt Disney Toon Studios. &nbsp;The trip wouldn't have been complete without it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-2149831476684104882013-08-01T15:12:00.001-04:002013-08-01T15:12:17.750-04:00Paris Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMlI0txTTfc/UfqNWVvFrAI/AAAAAAAACwE/cMX_cdmxN-k/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMlI0txTTfc/UfqNWVvFrAI/AAAAAAAACwE/cMX_cdmxN-k/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>So we might have had some rough weather on our first day, as well as the knife incident, so what could possibly go wrong on our second day? &nbsp;Saturday dawned with sunny skies but still chilly temps. &nbsp;We started the morning off at Musee d'Orsay, which was my personal favorite on our first trip to Paris. &nbsp;d'Orsay is in an old train station and you literally cannot turn around without seeing a famous painting. &nbsp;It has by far the best permanent Impressionist exhibit that there is. &nbsp;It's not too shabby on the inside either. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMotJr0qlGg/UfqP90L_nAI/AAAAAAAACww/LnvB9hwamLQ/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMotJr0qlGg/UfqP90L_nAI/AAAAAAAACww/LnvB9hwamLQ/s400/IMG_1529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTJvBpsrWe0/UfqPx72dkXI/AAAAAAAACwg/nlKZQQfGFhM/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTJvBpsrWe0/UfqPx72dkXI/AAAAAAAACwg/nlKZQQfGFhM/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Deaner and Evans in front of the giant clock that looks at Sacracour. &nbsp;You can't exactly tell it's them but they didn't understand that and the picture is still cool.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqceG4byASI/UfqP5KBghsI/AAAAAAAACwo/pQnyxM7i8OM/s1600/IMG_1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqceG4byASI/UfqP5KBghsI/AAAAAAAACwo/pQnyxM7i8OM/s400/IMG_1516.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">View from clock. &nbsp;So cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfE8byxuCc/UfqQB6JyUwI/AAAAAAAACw4/rVekiuM474I/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfE8byxuCc/UfqQB6JyUwI/AAAAAAAACw4/rVekiuM474I/s400/IMG_1521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing a museum with a two year old was definitely a different experience than ten years ago with my mom, sister and grandmother. &nbsp;It's a good thing that I really took my time ten years ago because we weren't here very long this go around. &nbsp;I also can't pretend that I mind. &nbsp;I am an in and out museum person and Evans was my perfect excuse. &nbsp;If anyone wants to come and sight see with me, I'll have to bring Evans along, wink wink. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pKz9xzS4RQ/UfqWv46vXaI/AAAAAAAACxI/JxMvgq0q2CM/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pKz9xzS4RQ/UfqWv46vXaI/AAAAAAAACxI/JxMvgq0q2CM/s400/IMG_1540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the museum and lunch we strolled down to Tour Eiffel. &nbsp;Evans was WAY more impressed with the Eiffel Tower than with Notre Dame the previous day. &nbsp;Despite the fact that he was under his much hated rain protector, he really enjoyed this part of sightseeing. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ6fvwoDVBg/UfqaFZCLfII/AAAAAAAACxk/dxPEKxVSCTY/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ6fvwoDVBg/UfqaFZCLfII/AAAAAAAACxk/dxPEKxVSCTY/s400/IMG_1536.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally the rain stopped and we were able to let him out of plastic jail. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw0xSn86P08/UfqbBbgmyiI/AAAAAAAACxs/2s9aOmonWg4/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw0xSn86P08/UfqbBbgmyiI/AAAAAAAACxs/2s9aOmonWg4/s400/IMG_1548.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please note the difference in the sky. &nbsp;Cloudy to pending thunderstorm to beautiful.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgX3jKBVMFQ/UfqcLb22gVI/AAAAAAAACyU/smWPFw5plxI/s1600/IMG_1559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgX3jKBVMFQ/UfqcLb22gVI/AAAAAAAACyU/smWPFw5plxI/s400/IMG_1559.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mK7Xz-3vwk/UfqbT2yvdcI/AAAAAAAACyE/ddphr0zxXEM/s1600/IMG_3367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mK7Xz-3vwk/UfqbT2yvdcI/AAAAAAAACyE/ddphr0zxXEM/s400/IMG_3367.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few that include me. &nbsp;Thank God for the rear facing iPhone 5 camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CwBbxQFLRI/UfqbSMt22xI/AAAAAAAACx8/hGc24C4AO0U/s1600/IMG_3369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CwBbxQFLRI/UfqbSMt22xI/AAAAAAAACx8/hGc24C4AO0U/s400/IMG_3369.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish Evans could have managed to look a little happier.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zy4OHGB4nI/UfqbpdalbsI/AAAAAAAACyM/Mi2K52dvTWM/s1600/IMG_3376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Zy4OHGB4nI/UfqbpdalbsI/AAAAAAAACyM/Mi2K52dvTWM/s400/IMG_3376.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hands down the best part of the day was chasing pigeons by the Eiffel Tower. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-RnHfGUItg/UfqgCdfve2I/AAAAAAAACyg/t4NKCkObUQE/s1600/IMG_3393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-RnHfGUItg/UfqgCdfve2I/AAAAAAAACyg/t4NKCkObUQE/s400/IMG_3393.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great (exhausting) day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hfKZAL4lBw/UfquMgH-dsI/AAAAAAAACzE/pBXs-Zow5II/s1600/IMG_1586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hfKZAL4lBw/UfquMgH-dsI/AAAAAAAACzE/pBXs-Zow5II/s400/IMG_1586.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finished off by dinner in the same steak restaurant where my mom, sister, grandmother and I ate in 1999. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjEAhS3Mrs/UfqiAjPSrkI/AAAAAAAACy0/73QQLK86Qrs/s1600/IMG_3409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjEAhS3Mrs/UfqiAjPSrkI/AAAAAAAACy0/73QQLK86Qrs/s400/IMG_3409.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You have two choices in this place. &nbsp;Do you want your steak medium or rare and do you want water or wine? &nbsp;Pretty obvious answers to me. &nbsp;They serve you TWO courses of steak and fries with the most wonderful sauce you have ever tasted. &nbsp;Just ask my mom. &nbsp;For the whole story. &nbsp;Better get their 30 minutes before the place opens because the line wraps around the corner to get in! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like I need add these additional pictures at the bottom. &nbsp;It just goes to show how cultured my son is after his trip to Paris. &nbsp;He has not been able to stop himself from building lego Eiffel Towers whenever he has the chance. &nbsp;This was his first attempt after seeing the real deal. &nbsp;Not too shabby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WckM7i-kaak/UfqxhEHIljI/AAAAAAAACzU/NtH40MM6Id4/s1600/photo-378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WckM7i-kaak/UfqxhEHIljI/AAAAAAAACzU/NtH40MM6Id4/s400/photo-378.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His second attempt while waiting in my doctor's office. &nbsp;Not his best effort.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRvTkUM-o0Q/UfqyFNTMvuI/AAAAAAAACzo/pJM0JzJo0uM/s1600/photo-380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRvTkUM-o0Q/UfqyFNTMvuI/AAAAAAAACzo/pJM0JzJo0uM/s400/photo-380.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the latest creation. &nbsp;Not sure exactly what it is? &nbsp;It's the Eiffel Tower with a Kitty Cat on top. &nbsp;I know. &nbsp;I was a bit stumped too.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_bOacy1f3w/Ufqx8PgvGiI/AAAAAAAACzg/Tm3unO6i8ec/s1600/photo-379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_bOacy1f3w/Ufqx8PgvGiI/AAAAAAAACzg/Tm3unO6i8ec/s400/photo-379.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for Disney pictures. &nbsp;Finally. &nbsp;I'm catching up with my life. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_1171318886"></span><span id="goog_1171318887"></span><br /></div><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-1390706290734634092013-07-31T16:37:00.001-04:002013-07-31T16:37:25.833-04:00Paris, France 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhIhdZcty_s/UflrPH1pEgI/AAAAAAAACu0/yEWsS0pAuXg/s1600/IMG_1458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhIhdZcty_s/UflrPH1pEgI/AAAAAAAACu0/yEWsS0pAuXg/s400/IMG_1458.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I get that this is not exactly the best picture I could have posted of Notre Dame but I feel like my readers will appreciate it more than any other I could have chosen. &nbsp;Paris in the spring.....blue skies, fair temperatures, gay moods.......Not so much on our first day in the City of Lights. &nbsp;I think that our winter ski outfits, the grey skies and Evans's pose sum up &nbsp;the atmosphere on Day 1. &nbsp;This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it. &nbsp;Truly we were far from miserable though and it was a fun rainy day (once we got everyone [Evans] watered and fed). &nbsp;We started on the Left Bank of Notre Dame because 14 years ago (I can't believe I'm admitting it was that long ago) my Grandmother, mother, sister and myself spent two weeks in Paris on our Spring Break. &nbsp;The trip was memorable for a MILLION reasons (including Mom's tumble in the Louve which resulted in a broken foot) and it was so nice to start our re-visit to the city on the same street as the flat we stayed in all those years ago. &nbsp;Unfortunately the weather wasn't ideal and Evans wasn't nearly as impressed with Notre Dame as we thought he might be. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV5aTIymVcU/UfltsiOAEhI/AAAAAAAACvE/9AaUBGhqKVY/s1600/IMG_1467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV5aTIymVcU/UfltsiOAEhI/AAAAAAAACvE/9AaUBGhqKVY/s400/IMG_1467.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something about subarctic temperatures at the end of May seemed to be getting him down. &nbsp;I could relate. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8ok7yEz7Qo/UflukBPa9QI/AAAAAAAACvU/3XVpsXylLrk/s1600/IMG_1474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8ok7yEz7Qo/UflukBPa9QI/AAAAAAAACvU/3XVpsXylLrk/s400/IMG_1474.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But we soldiered on. &nbsp;Our final stop of day 1 (there was a lot of walking involved in the interim) was to visit Musee de l'Orangerie. &nbsp;Back in 1999 this was one of the top museums that we wanted to visit while in Paris. &nbsp;My mother read to us about Monet's Waterlily's and how they were supposed to be fantastic. &nbsp;Upon arriving in Paris and eventually l'Orangerie we noticed that it seemed pretty deserted. &nbsp;As we walked up the steps to the museum it became obvious we were attempting to visit on a closed day. &nbsp;There was a lone piece of paper tacked to the door (at least this is how I am remembering it in my head) that read something like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dear Patrons:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Musee de l'Orangerie closed about 5 minutes ago for a few renovations. &nbsp;We will re-open again in ten years. &nbsp;Please plan on revisiting in 2009. &nbsp;Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ANYWAYS. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">l'Orangerie WAS open this time around. &nbsp;I was thrilled. &nbsp;I was finally going to see those water lily's. &nbsp;I post this next picture just so you can get an idea of Deaner's accouterments that were along for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHjyFu3T8FM/Uflw4-OkHOI/AAAAAAAACvk/QVkpcbco9U0/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHjyFu3T8FM/Uflw4-OkHOI/AAAAAAAACvk/QVkpcbco9U0/s400/IMG_1483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stood in a relatively short line to enter the museum. &nbsp;As we edged up towards the metal detector a sudden look of panic crossed Deaner's face and he mumbled that he would "be right back" only to turn around and fight his way backwards through the line and back out the front door. &nbsp;I had no idea what was going on but went thru the metal detector and waited for him. &nbsp;When he caught up to me 10 minutes later and I asked what in the world had happened he responded very nonchalantly "Oh. &nbsp;That. &nbsp;Well, I had a knife in my backpack and I didn't think they would let me bring it in". &nbsp;Huh. &nbsp;Ok. &nbsp;So apparently my husband is that guy who carries a knife around in his backpack. &nbsp;I wasn't aware either. &nbsp;Why did he run back outside? &nbsp;To HIDE his knife in the bushes. &nbsp;Because that is where museum going knife carrying people stash their knives. &nbsp;Knife and flashlight combo stayed home for Disney. &nbsp;Water lily's = super cool. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was going to combine both Paris days into one post but my bed is calling my name and I'll have to finish day 2 tomorrow. &nbsp;The weather and our moods perked up the second day in Paris so no worries there. &nbsp;I'll leave you with a picture of Evans's favorite part of Day 1. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM3jPWpRH_M/Ufl0YcRZzkI/AAAAAAAACv0/JJPf_ocZoMU/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM3jPWpRH_M/Ufl0YcRZzkI/AAAAAAAACv0/JJPf_ocZoMU/s400/IMG_1489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Riding the train home, of course!&nbsp;</div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-10707124708606773612013-07-30T08:36:00.001-04:002013-07-30T08:36:48.258-04:00How Can This Be?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH5EL0AKeD8/UfephC4CvaI/AAAAAAAACtM/pvm4Xlr0UYE/s1600/photo-372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH5EL0AKeD8/UfephC4CvaI/AAAAAAAACtM/pvm4Xlr0UYE/s400/photo-372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>How can it possibly be that the last time I blogged was back in April? &nbsp;I have a few excuses up my sleeve but none of them really justify the span of MONTHS that it has been since I last filled the world in on the goings on in our lives. &nbsp;Not that they have been all that exciting but we have had a few bits of excitement here and there! &nbsp;I'll never be able to catch everyone up on the last three months in one post but I'll try and hit the highlights. &nbsp;First and foremost (and most obvious) we would like to officially announce in blogland that we are expecting our second child around January 20th, 2014. &nbsp;Deaner and I could not be more excited and surprisingly enough, Evans appears to be just as pumped as we are. &nbsp;He has tagged along to all the doctor's appointments up to this point and loves going to "the mama doctor" to see the little baby on the screen. &nbsp;He talks constantly about the baby (truthfully, he talks constantly about anything that strikes his fancy and most days I'm ready to put in the ear plugs by 5pm) and seems to really be into the idea of having a brother or sister. &nbsp;We completely understand that this will more than likely change once the baby physically appears and can't be sent away. &nbsp;For now he is happy to share with every single person he encounters that mama has a baby girl in her stomach and we are going to name her Charlotte. &nbsp;This would all be good and well except that we don't know what sex the baby is yet. &nbsp;If you ask him what we might name a baby boy he will tell you "Dump Truck" and then explain that it is a girl. &nbsp;I'll worry about this in a few weeks when we find out for sure whether we are expecting a Charlotte or a Dump Truck and I'll keep y'all posted. <br /><br />We have actually had a pretty busy summer so far though it has stalled out over the past few weeks with an actual "heatwave" in Germany. &nbsp;Of course this means temperatures in the 90's but with no AC anywhere in Europe, I'd say the terminology is appropriate. &nbsp;Deaner and I took Evans back in May for a long weekend in Paris which included two days in the city and two days in Disneyland Paris. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov0hq6Ynbw0/UfeuF8iIF-I/AAAAAAAACts/rYXXoUnUnrA/s1600/IMG_1594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov0hq6Ynbw0/UfeuF8iIF-I/AAAAAAAACts/rYXXoUnUnrA/s400/IMG_1594.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though you can't tell from the above picture, Evans pretty much couldn't contain his excitement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egBgeEwF19w/UfetTYSFueI/AAAAAAAACtc/eDJ2a-PkA_o/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egBgeEwF19w/UfetTYSFueI/AAAAAAAACtc/eDJ2a-PkA_o/s400/IMG_1611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Especially when Lightning McQueen was involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bnx3T7tEYY/UfetjZS9EiI/AAAAAAAACto/xqCYezIH-eM/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bnx3T7tEYY/UfetjZS9EiI/AAAAAAAACto/xqCYezIH-eM/s400/IMG_3647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully Mama was along to take all the pictures. &nbsp;You might not be able to tell but I actually was on the vacation too. &nbsp;They brought me along to be the official documenter. &nbsp;More on that trip later. &nbsp;The pictures of Evans are hysterical and they really do deserve their own post. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the heels of our trip to Paris we had a nice visit from Old Dad and Grandmag from Atlanta. &nbsp;We had a blast and were sad to see them go at the end of June though we hardly had time to cry because the next week we meet the entire Gleaton family in Provence for a week in the South of France. &nbsp;Again, there are too many pictures from these trips to start posting here but that gives me an excuse to not to wait 3 months before the next post. &nbsp;Now we are almost to August, I've ALMOST finished re-decorating Evans's big boy room (just wait til you see the pictures) and we will find out if we will be having another son or a daughter on August 15th. &nbsp;A big month for us coming up and I can't wait! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For now I will leave you with some pictures from today. &nbsp;When we got up this morning Evans and I had no plans for the day. &nbsp;In order to avoid a whole day filled with this.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-kDwUUw4c0/Ufewpkx49qI/AAAAAAAACuM/n-aahG27TGw/s1600/photo-376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-kDwUUw4c0/Ufewpkx49qI/AAAAAAAACuM/n-aahG27TGw/s400/photo-376.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We packed up and met Daddy for lunch. &nbsp;Unfortunately Deaner had JUST had his eye dilated when we met up with him for some grub.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7iDRTRU_CM/Ufew6oqgYeI/AAAAAAAACuY/T1bNqgTwmTM/s1600/photo-373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7iDRTRU_CM/Ufew6oqgYeI/AAAAAAAACuY/T1bNqgTwmTM/s400/photo-373.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since his (8th) pair of nice glasses broke on Saturday, he actually had to wear the pair issued from the eye doctor. &nbsp;Ha ha ha. &nbsp;Evans found them highly entertaining and couldn't understand why Daddy didn't LOVE wearing them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUr88ZZs-cY/UfexPdLPppI/AAAAAAAACuo/GXXhZY_uwLM/s1600/photo-375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUr88ZZs-cY/UfexPdLPppI/AAAAAAAACuo/GXXhZY_uwLM/s400/photo-375.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Itv4d5_5_X0/UfexIqudESI/AAAAAAAACug/foCBTX0uddA/s1600/photo-374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Itv4d5_5_X0/UfexIqudESI/AAAAAAAACug/foCBTX0uddA/s400/photo-374.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully Dad will remember to bring them home from work so we can play with them some more. &nbsp;That's about if for our day today. &nbsp;Evans is down for a nap and I am close behind him. &nbsp;I don't remember being this tired when I was pregnant with Evans but of course, I didn't have an Evans back then to contend with. &nbsp;Stay tuned and I'll fill y'all in on the rest of our travels from this spring and summer in the next couple of days. &nbsp;Happy Tuesday! &nbsp;</div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-78817067979875431862013-04-18T06:04:00.001-04:002013-04-18T06:04:23.773-04:00Spring Has Sprung, Finally? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEiuVpmNHJo/UW-6VxrFfWI/AAAAAAAACrU/OGFqYaxBuuY/s1600/photo-365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEiuVpmNHJo/UW-6VxrFfWI/AAAAAAAACrU/OGFqYaxBuuY/s400/photo-365.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Could it be? &nbsp;Are we actually outdoors without winter coats and hats? &nbsp;It seems that we might have turned the corner here in our little corner of the world. &nbsp; &nbsp;For the past three days we have actually seen temps above 70 degrees accompanied by actual sunshine. &nbsp;Sunday we got a bike ride along the Rhein in to visit our favorite babysitter who was working at the wine stand a few towns over from where we live. &nbsp;Of course Evans didn't understand that she was supposed to be working and not doting on him but eventually he had a good time running around. &nbsp;Believe it or not, I should have put him in a short sleeve shirt and our Master's Sunday might have been nicer than the one spectators watched in Augusta! <br /><br />My car has been in the shop now for nearly three weeks. &nbsp;Just one of the really fun things that we get to deal with overseas when an essential car part is out of stock or backordered. &nbsp;If you ask me, I don't really think a radiator is necessary but the experts on the base do not agree. &nbsp;Therefore, my car has been sitting there since April 3rd. &nbsp;Today is the 18th. &nbsp;You do the math. &nbsp;Since Evans was on Spring Break last week we really did a whole bunch of not leaving the house. &nbsp;Our neighbors commented last weekend that they were afraid that Deaner had killed me since they hadn't laid eyes on me in a week. &nbsp;I'm so glad they came over to check on me! &nbsp;By Friday I was actually feeling really bad for the boring week that Evans had to endure so we took a little adventure on the train to visit Daddy at work. &nbsp;Nothing super exciting but I'd say after a week of excitement deprivation, he thought it was the greatest thing on earth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha9-vMOTVR0/UW_DXywK57I/AAAAAAAACr4/tIPynFJ-tS0/s1600/photo-370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha9-vMOTVR0/UW_DXywK57I/AAAAAAAACr4/tIPynFJ-tS0/s400/photo-370.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrH2XJuAxI/UW_BBlMLaCI/AAAAAAAACrk/ARWn5Hoinqg/s1600/photo-366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrH2XJuAxI/UW_BBlMLaCI/AAAAAAAACrk/ARWn5Hoinqg/s400/photo-366.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dngMsL2yxko/UW_BItq43tI/AAAAAAAACrs/R2mWwy0k8dQ/s1600/photo-367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dngMsL2yxko/UW_BItq43tI/AAAAAAAACrs/R2mWwy0k8dQ/s400/photo-367.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzEU_od06Y8/UW_CSE_PePI/AAAAAAAACr0/2p-_ljxZdLk/s1600/photo-368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzEU_od06Y8/UW_CSE_PePI/AAAAAAAACr0/2p-_ljxZdLk/s400/photo-368.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I've been able to use this choo-choo train experience as leverage all week long for using the big boy potty and it's working like a charm. &nbsp;Thankfully just the promise of a ride on the "mama choo-choo" is enough to encourage him. &nbsp;(passenger trains = mama choo-choo's and cargo trains = dada choo-choo's, don't ask me why)<br /><br />Deaner got off of work early yesterday and after picking him up at work (this whole one car thing is for the birds) we spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning off our back patio and having dinner outside. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikbKzoElRvE/UW-6Uy0JJ4I/AAAAAAAACrY/C39jKvP_Uaw/s1600/photo-364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikbKzoElRvE/UW-6Uy0JJ4I/AAAAAAAACrY/C39jKvP_Uaw/s400/photo-364.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>This morning I am nursing the blisters on my hands from sweeping and gazing out the window as debris is raining down onto the patio. &nbsp;Might be time to invest in a leaf blower/vacuum. &nbsp;So I guess I am off to play with Evans outside while the sun lasts. &nbsp;Deaner just let me know that the radiator for my car came in this morning but that we can't get an appointment to have it replaced until Tuesday. &nbsp;The same day we are supposed to go to Belgium. &nbsp;Sigh. &nbsp;One of these days I will have a functioning car again! &nbsp;Happy Thursday everyone! <br /><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-29145078314715975682013-03-26T11:55:00.002-04:002013-03-27T12:00:38.244-04:00Potty Training Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4FxSm_h_To/UVGzIlAO6JI/AAAAAAAACqI/LwWe9WBXmjU/s1600/photo-341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4FxSm_h_To/UVGzIlAO6JI/AAAAAAAACqI/LwWe9WBXmjU/s400/photo-341.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>When Evans started informing me a couple months ago every time he wet his diaper I figured it might be time to bite the bullet and THINK about potty training. &nbsp;I mean, I'm not going to lie, I've sort of been dreading it. &nbsp;Just ask my husband, I am not a fan of public restrooms and the thought of having to constantly take a two year old into one just to make sure we avoid an accident is not all that appealing to me. &nbsp;I quite enjoy the convenience of having my child pee in his pants. &nbsp;That being said, I realize I can't exactly let this go on forever, not to mention the cost of diapers adds up. &nbsp;So with the looming threat of this upcoming government furlough, I decided that I would step it up a notch with Evans and just see what happened. &nbsp;It all started off well enough. &nbsp;When prompted, Evans used the potty with minimal fuss and actually seemed very proud of himself. &nbsp;He went days without having an accident (when we were home) and I really started to pat myself on the back for being such a parent extraordinaire. &nbsp;Then we started to slow decline into awfulness. &nbsp;It started with Evans resisting me taking him to the potty. &nbsp;Then it moved to him not wanting to wear the big boy pants at all and insisting on his "elmo pants" a.k.a. his diaper. &nbsp;Now just the mention of going to the potty can induce a full on meltdown. &nbsp;I backed off for a couple of days. &nbsp;He is only two and a half after all and let's face it, he barely learned to walk by 17 months. &nbsp;After a couple of days break we are back at it and things are not exactly going well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjbs7xlk6Rc/UVGzcoo3dHI/AAAAAAAACqY/CMzytbZJNPY/s1600/photo-346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjbs7xlk6Rc/UVGzcoo3dHI/AAAAAAAACqY/CMzytbZJNPY/s400/photo-346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I am pretty sure that we aren't getting anywhere.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrrdfu8XQrQ/UVGzZKLyjRI/AAAAAAAACqQ/IKnvG9W6Rok/s1600/photo-347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrrdfu8XQrQ/UVGzZKLyjRI/AAAAAAAACqQ/IKnvG9W6Rok/s400/photo-347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And that my only child now hates me. &nbsp;So we are sort of at a stalemate. &nbsp;Deaner asks me every couple of days how the potty training is coming. &nbsp;Yesterday I suggested that he take Evans to the potty when he got home from work and I was slightly satisfied when Evans went wet noodle on him, making it impossible. &nbsp;The situation is not improved by the fact that tried and true bribery no longer seems to work. &nbsp;Do you want FOUR M&amp;M's? &nbsp;NO. &nbsp;Do you want a new Lightening McQueen? &nbsp;NO. &nbsp;Do you want some money? &nbsp;NO. &nbsp;Y'all catch my drift. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6QBy_JoF7s/UVHE0i8E0vI/AAAAAAAACqs/axk_40pVEvQ/s1600/photo-355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6QBy_JoF7s/UVHE0i8E0vI/AAAAAAAACqs/axk_40pVEvQ/s400/photo-355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I think maybe I should start looking into other ways to save money each month. &nbsp;It looks like we might be "elmo pantsing" it for awhile. <br /><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-91854869496960512342013-03-26T11:33:00.000-04:002013-03-26T11:33:00.694-04:00I Think I'm Cracking Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhyX7zkklsc/UVGvd1c3M-I/AAAAAAAACpc/wlCbG-9UsLs/s1600/photo-353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhyX7zkklsc/UVGvd1c3M-I/AAAAAAAACpc/wlCbG-9UsLs/s640/photo-353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I truly thought we had turned the corner here in Germany. &nbsp;Around March every year I start to see the light at the end of the long gray tunnel that is the winter here. &nbsp;Sometimes looks can be deceiving I suppose. &nbsp;After a particularly mild weekend several weeks ago, Deaner and I were left walking on air in anticipation of spring time. &nbsp;The wine stand on the Rhein opened the barrel weeks ahead of schedule, we actually saw the sunshine and if you pay close attention, you will see that Evans was not even wearing his heavy ski jacket. &nbsp;Life was good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ey47rh-wtY4/UVGucQnhpKI/AAAAAAAACpY/ST9wMpJa6f8/s1600/photo-344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ey47rh-wtY4/UVGucQnhpKI/AAAAAAAACpY/ST9wMpJa6f8/s400/photo-344.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just like that, just when we were starting to feel the gloom lift, just when we could feel the life slowly returning to Germany, we woke up to this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-VMalrINo/UVGxCTauTkI/AAAAAAAACpo/iLGzm71BRhE/s1600/photo-345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-VMalrINo/UVGxCTauTkI/AAAAAAAACpo/iLGzm71BRhE/s400/photo-345.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No warning or anything. &nbsp;Nothing in the forecast about a small March blizzard because apparently this is just NORMAL around here (though to be honest, we have lived here four years and I cannot ever recall it snowing in March). &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg-oSmcThS4/UVGxTFDvEiI/AAAAAAAACpw/U62CBhcEAwc/s1600/photo-352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg-oSmcThS4/UVGxTFDvEiI/AAAAAAAACpw/U62CBhcEAwc/s400/photo-352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No big deal. &nbsp;Just a couple inches. &nbsp;Or NINE. &nbsp;Deaner's office even closed in the middle of the day so that everyone could get home. &nbsp;A few days later we got another several inches without warning. &nbsp;Folks, this is the kind of snow that closes down Atlanta for days. &nbsp;And since I no longer live in Atlanta in a house with three awesome roommates to eat cheese puffs with and drink wine out of a box, I no longer find this all that amusing. &nbsp;I truly would have rather been watching an Alias marathon than building another snowman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLzNov-LdVI/UVGy9kWXARI/AAAAAAAACp8/ZInlbVgVPF0/s1600/photo-348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLzNov-LdVI/UVGy9kWXARI/AAAAAAAACp8/ZInlbVgVPF0/s400/photo-348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think even Evans is over the snowman since he is pitching a fit that the snowman got to wear his "baby glasses". &nbsp;Deaner called me lazy for drawing the snowman's mouth with a sharpie marker. &nbsp;Sorry guys, I'm definitely over the snow building and sharpie was as good as it was going to get! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I suppose that no one ever died from a long winter and now that we are approaching April maybe we really will turn the corner. &nbsp;Until then I guess we have no other choice but to bundle up! &nbsp;Happy Monday!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gofhTVfxwY/UVG-ubUwL0I/AAAAAAAACqk/7Rl4x2lLXWY/s1600/photo-354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gofhTVfxwY/UVG-ubUwL0I/AAAAAAAACqk/7Rl4x2lLXWY/s400/photo-354.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-71859325998186613142013-02-28T14:38:00.000-05:002013-02-28T14:39:00.664-05:00A Little Incident.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVpGCiqs25c/US-ncitRyTI/AAAAAAAACoE/sNH5QfEvkyI/s1600/photo-339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVpGCiqs25c/US-ncitRyTI/AAAAAAAACoE/sNH5QfEvkyI/s400/photo-339.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Behold. &nbsp;This obsessive complusive's best friend. &nbsp;It's no Dyson but this trusty LG has been with me for the last three years and was a very welcome relief after my old German pull behind that it replaced. &nbsp;Unfortunately tomorrow this old friend goes to the dump. &nbsp;Yesterday afternoon as I was settling onto my comfortable bed to read my book while Evans napped (my very favorite time of day) I could not have been more relaxed. &nbsp;Unfortunately the dust bunnies underneath my bedroom dresser caught my eye and God knows my blood pressure wasn't going to return to normal until I had vacuumed those suckers up. &nbsp;You'd think that as experienced of a vacuum cleaner that I am, the rookie mistake I made would never have happened. &nbsp;In a fit of using my attachment nozzle to get all the way to the wall I accidentally ran over the cord, which was promptly sucked up into the motor and chewed to shreds. &nbsp;But not before the vacuum blew up, made an awful noise and shorted out the electricity in our whole house. &nbsp;I think I just stood there in disbelief, amidst a cloud of dust and dirt, for several minutes while surveying the damage. &nbsp;Here were my thoughts, in order, in the following seconds. <br />1. &nbsp;Oh my god, what just happened?<br /><br />2. &nbsp;Oh my god, there is dirt ALL over the room, all over my face, in my eyes AND in my clean hair. <br /><br />3. &nbsp;Holy s*#t, I think my vacuum cleaner is a goner. <br /><br />4. &nbsp;Why are all the lights in the house off? <br /><br />5. &nbsp;Did every single piece of dirt just land back on my bedroom carpet?<br /><br />6. &nbsp;What in the world am I going to do?<br /><br />7. &nbsp;We cannot afford to buy ANOTHER vacuum cleaner.<br /><br />8. &nbsp;Deaner is going to kill me. <br /><br />So after the dust settled (literally) I was able to collect my thoughts. &nbsp;I hauled the old German pull behind vacuum out of the basement only to find that it didn't work either. &nbsp;Awesome. &nbsp;I resorted to a broom and a dust pan and SWEPT my carpet. &nbsp;Even more awesome. &nbsp;When I was finished, I hauled both broken vacuums back downstairs to be loaded into the car for the dump. &nbsp;Then it dawned on me that I hadn't flipped the breaker yet which would explain the German vacuum not working. &nbsp;I think the dust really affected my brain. <br /><br />I'm trying to put the incident behind me. <br /><br />If anyone can convince my husband to buy me a new vacuum...........I'd be much obliged. Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-16710605817895327842013-02-22T16:37:00.000-05:002013-02-22T16:37:11.692-05:00Fasching 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40uwJihet84/USFb8ryQwFI/AAAAAAAAChg/hspoIa2TYbw/s1600/photo-324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40uwJihet84/USFb8ryQwFI/AAAAAAAAChg/hspoIa2TYbw/s400/photo-324.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">So I might be a week (or almost two) late but I have too many cute pictures not to go ahead with a quick Fasching post. &nbsp;I don't know how we have never really gotten into the German version of Mardi Gras in the past but as far as I recall, this is only our second time actively participating in the annual parades. &nbsp;Of course it is more fun when you have a child to dress up (it does take the pressure off yourself) but then...........you have a dressed up child to deal with in a crowd of people. &nbsp;Anyways. &nbsp;This year we had a GREAT time. &nbsp;It would have been even greater if the temperature had risen above 20 degrees but you can't win them all. &nbsp;Our little tiny town of Hattenheim actually had a rather large parade this year. &nbsp;While we faced a little bit of technical difficulty this year (we stood in front of our house which ended up being the end of the line) once the parade reached us (like two hours later) it was a lot of fun. Evans and his bud Brady had a blast watching the floats pass by our house.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5BKnUCUCk/USFfkz_Do1I/AAAAAAAACho/gdLpSAOLrqQ/s1600/photo-335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5BKnUCUCk/USFfkz_Do1I/AAAAAAAACho/gdLpSAOLrqQ/s400/photo-335.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Daddy had another chance to bust out the Man With The Yellow Hat costume and I was perfectly content in my non-descript down jacket and jeans. &nbsp;Surprisingly, Evans and Brady mostly stayed in their seats and let the parade walkers come and place candy on their laps. &nbsp;Not to bad of a deal if you ask me. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYWgDMVvrjA/USXng0Wc7bI/AAAAAAAACiw/wCWdN5fSXxM/s1600/photo-325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYWgDMVvrjA/USXng0Wc7bI/AAAAAAAACiw/wCWdN5fSXxM/s400/photo-325.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I think Brady had the warmest costume of all though he was mistaken for a girl a few times. &nbsp;I don't think it bothered him!&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcMYAP1OPrE/USXnzgRfbjI/AAAAAAAACi4/VzEsW8G0HGk/s1600/photo-326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcMYAP1OPrE/USXnzgRfbjI/AAAAAAAACi4/VzEsW8G0HGk/s400/photo-326.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I would have worn the pig costume by the time we were nice and frozen waiting on the parade to make the loop in front of our house but Ashley and I managed alright. &nbsp;Though you can't tell in the least, Ashley is seven months pregnant. &nbsp;Sadly, our super tactful German neighbor asked if I was the one pregnant. &nbsp;I guess I had on too many layers and I might be burning this coat shortly. &nbsp;(yeah, that was it)!</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Sunday was even colder but we bundled up again and headed to the "big" parade in downtown Wiesbaden. &nbsp;The floats were much more sophisticated and when we left 2.5 hours later there was no end in sight. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy6m3DZlV4U/USXtMWkUJaI/AAAAAAAACkc/HqslADNTPW0/s1600/photo-334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy6m3DZlV4U/USXtMWkUJaI/AAAAAAAACkc/HqslADNTPW0/s400/photo-334.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">It was a beautiful day and honestly I couldn't remember the last time we saw blue sky and the sun before last Sunday. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xKsKV1gYQ/USXrU9FPD5I/AAAAAAAACkA/GutgeQCtlmo/s1600/photo-328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xKsKV1gYQ/USXrU9FPD5I/AAAAAAAACkA/GutgeQCtlmo/s400/photo-328.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">We had a few small incidents with Evans "accidentally" throwing the bouncy balls that he caught which caused a couple minor breakdowns but thankfully there was a lot of loot to be caught. &nbsp;I was assaulted in the noggin more than one time and if anyone is wanting parade popcorn, please come to our house. &nbsp;By the time we were ready to call it quits, Evans was D-O-N-E with the parade.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN9OEPVqc3w/USXrl2jlkhI/AAAAAAAACkQ/mrKFr_ydQGE/s1600/photo-333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NN9OEPVqc3w/USXrl2jlkhI/AAAAAAAACkQ/mrKFr_ydQGE/s400/photo-333.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I knew we were in trouble when he would suck on a pop pop for 2 minutes and then demand a new one. &nbsp; &nbsp;I think that both Evans and Deaner have gotten their money's worth out of these Halloween costumes.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpO-9sKaVqU/USXvyBJInpI/AAAAAAAACmo/R3gZqKs9dWc/s1600/photo-336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpO-9sKaVqU/USXvyBJInpI/AAAAAAAACmo/R3gZqKs9dWc/s400/photo-336.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I suppose now I am not only responsible for finding Evans a costume every year. &nbsp;Of all the loot caught this year there was a clear winner to the most creative piece of candy. &nbsp;Brady caught one of these in Hattenheim on Saturday and when I was going through our stash I found one of our very own.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDXbz1JRBA4/USXwXXLBQxI/AAAAAAAACm0/2dJz3MTEz04/s1600/photo-327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDXbz1JRBA4/USXwXXLBQxI/AAAAAAAACm0/2dJz3MTEz04/s400/photo-327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I'm almost positive this a gummy butt. &nbsp;With ears. &nbsp;A butt with ears. &nbsp;Need I really say more? &nbsp;Can't wait for next year! &nbsp;</span></span></div>Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-5509545953471148542013-02-18T12:26:00.000-05:002013-02-18T12:26:43.085-05:00Jealous? I Didn't Think So.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CQYs_jFYRM/USFJuprzvII/AAAAAAAACgw/0XRF6OXTTHc/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CQYs_jFYRM/USFJuprzvII/AAAAAAAACgw/0XRF6OXTTHc/s400/photo.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>As I was scrolling through Facebook today I couldn't help but notice all my friends who are currently in tropical locations. &nbsp;My sister is lounging around the sandy white beaches of Mexico along with about 567 of my other friends. &nbsp;So, I just wanted to post our weather forecast, here in Germany, for the next week. &nbsp;Don't be jealous or anything. &nbsp;Not everyone can live in a place that has such a stunning, low lying, steel gray cloud cover 98% of the time. &nbsp;I suppose I should be feeling joy at the fact that I don't see any snow in this forecast but I don't really. &nbsp;This is because despite my iPhone knowing just about all there is to know about everything, it never quite gets the weather right. &nbsp;Last Friday we woke up to several inches of snow on the ground with no warning at all that it was coming. &nbsp;But don't worry, this doesn't work the other way around. &nbsp;There is virtually zero chance of this forecast being inaccurate the other way around. &nbsp;There will be no sunshine this week. &nbsp;Whilst it appears that half of the Facebook population is acquiring golden brown suntans I can only brag about the iridescent translucent glow that my skin is taking on. &nbsp;It's pretty sad when I tell Evans it is time to leave for school and he looks at me and says "mittens, please Mama"? <br /><br />So all you peeps sunning yourself in beautiful places.....good for y'all. &nbsp;I'm not bitter. &nbsp;I swear. &nbsp;When I dream at night I am here....Lounging on a beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0hl3zjAXw/USFXfccaGXI/AAAAAAAAChQ/qo4Va1yBF7g/s1600/CIMG1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0hl3zjAXw/USFXfccaGXI/AAAAAAAAChQ/qo4Va1yBF7g/s400/CIMG1084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Or in Lake Como, Italy.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmaNZjk7MXE/USFV4iDDzWI/AAAAAAAAChA/LCcVqz9KlDM/s1600/CIMG2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmaNZjk7MXE/USFV4iDDzWI/AAAAAAAAChA/LCcVqz9KlDM/s400/CIMG2406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Or in Rome.......<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA_RErX8vj4/USFWNTAZlTI/AAAAAAAAChI/5eZf9EBeAV4/s1600/CIMG1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA_RErX8vj4/USFWNTAZlTI/AAAAAAAAChI/5eZf9EBeAV4/s400/CIMG1729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Or in Santorini......(I WAS there but I cannot show my seven month [at the time] pregnant face)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcMKi_uFTcs/USFVUI6er_I/AAAAAAAACg4/XAfcgdSY71w/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcMKi_uFTcs/USFVUI6er_I/AAAAAAAACg4/XAfcgdSY71w/s400/IMG_0587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Or out in the middle of the mediterranean in Cyprus. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIG1KPR4oEg/USFYmg9qszI/AAAAAAAAChY/ukSM9po2oAI/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIG1KPR4oEg/USFYmg9qszI/AAAAAAAAChY/ukSM9po2oAI/s400/IMG_1015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dear God, I wouldn't mind waking up tomorrow in late May. &nbsp;Thanks, SarahGleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-60864872613595198932013-02-07T16:49:00.000-05:002013-02-07T16:49:24.622-05:00American Idol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YAiOc2Y3A0/URQNJEFkv7I/AAAAAAAACeM/aorFd1gh4lk/s1600/judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YAiOc2Y3A0/URQNJEFkv7I/AAAAAAAACeM/aorFd1gh4lk/s640/judges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ok. &nbsp;It is taking a lot for me to even admit that I have been watching this show. &nbsp;I think it sort of proves how slim the pickings are over on this side of the pond but none the less, Deaner and I have been tuning in via British Sky Satellite. &nbsp;I have to say that my attention is more than likely going to start dwindling now that the "tryout" stage of the competition is over because once the singers are "decent" there isn't very much that is fun about this show. &nbsp;Just a few observations from me thus far this year.....<br /><br />1. &nbsp;Randy Jackson (give or take 100 pounds) is exactly the same as ever.<br /><br />2. &nbsp;Not that I have ever paid that much attention to Mariah Carey in my life but when did her boobs get to be the size of boulders? &nbsp;She must have an aching back at the end of every day.<br /><br />3. &nbsp;I am pretty sure Ryan Seacrest has gotten tinier. &nbsp;I think I could fit him in my pocket. <br /><br />4. &nbsp;Who is Nicki Minaj? &nbsp;I mean, where did she come from? &nbsp;I've never even heard of her and she sounds like Fran Drescher. &nbsp;All that being said, she is like the only funny judge on the show. &nbsp;Her commentary cracks me up along with her absurd outfits. &nbsp;EEK!<br /><br />5. &nbsp;Keith Urban is kind of a pansy. &nbsp;I'm just saying. &nbsp;I wish he would stop singing along with these contestants tryouts. &nbsp;It's THEIR time to shine. &nbsp;You already have four grammies. <br /><br />6. &nbsp;This next statement goes for all the judges. &nbsp;This is an issue every. single. year. &nbsp;There is no such thing as 110%. &nbsp;There is no such thing as 1,000%. &nbsp;There is no such thing as 1,500,394,398%. &nbsp;I will never understand this. &nbsp;100% is as high. as. it. goes. <br /><br />7. &nbsp;It had to have been a joke that they let that woman thru last week that sang the National Anthem. &nbsp;I still don't get it. &nbsp;Anyways.<br /><br />I guess that is all I have to say about American Idol. &nbsp;Frankly, it is more than I ever thought I would have to say about it ever in my whole life. &nbsp;I suppose I have another week or so before I completely stop watching it. &nbsp;In other news, Evans has finally gotten the hang of the German Monkey Joe's-like indoor playground. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dkN_Iu6nQ0/URQa3dAcW1I/AAAAAAAACfU/nqsdjeWSY3g/s1600/photo-322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dkN_Iu6nQ0/URQa3dAcW1I/AAAAAAAACfU/nqsdjeWSY3g/s400/photo-322.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Since Monkey Joe's in Atlanta nearly killed me a year ago I'm always hesitant to bring Evans to the German version, Rambazamba. &nbsp;Especially since I am right there with him climbing up these structures lest someone get stuck up at the top (not me). &nbsp;But at our birthday party on Tuesday, Evans finally grasped the concept and was happy to do everything by himself. &nbsp;THANK GOD.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gmrfsVqMGc/URQbEpmp0MI/AAAAAAAACfc/4ej9ntE7e1E/s1600/photo-321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gmrfsVqMGc/URQbEpmp0MI/AAAAAAAACfc/4ej9ntE7e1E/s400/photo-321.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I can't wait to take him back next week now that I can pull up a chair and watch. &nbsp;Leave the strep for the child! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUjSLAQhdKs/URQgk-L2gHI/AAAAAAAACfo/gDRv7xmFi40/s1600/photo-323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUjSLAQhdKs/URQgk-L2gHI/AAAAAAAACfo/gDRv7xmFi40/s400/photo-323.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Anyplace that insures a three hour afternoon nap is worth the chance! &nbsp;Happy Thursday!Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-55038999279906857492013-02-04T14:21:00.002-05:002013-02-04T14:21:43.740-05:00St. Lightning McQueen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDCNuYPLyIo/URAChaKKb8I/AAAAAAAACcw/7K4OjW6bIAg/s1600/photo-318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDCNuYPLyIo/URAChaKKb8I/AAAAAAAACcw/7K4OjW6bIAg/s400/photo-318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I feel like I need to give a personal shout out to our good friend Lightning McQueen for single handedly bringing peace to our jet lagged routine ravaged household. &nbsp;I knew Evans was obsessed with the Disney movie Cars when he watched it FOUR times on our flight back to the States in December. &nbsp;I had no idea just how obsessed until these Cars diecast cars allowed us 12 hours of sleep a night again. &nbsp;Last week Deaner and I were pretty much at the end of ropes with Evans and his nighttime antics. &nbsp;I knew he couldn't possibly still be out of whack time zone wise but there was no doubt in my mind that this Christmas vacation is what was causing our issues. &nbsp;During a routine trip to the toy store on the base to pick up a birthday party gift last week I made the huge tactical error of parking the cart in front of a display of these Cars while I ran to pick something else up. &nbsp;BIG mistake. &nbsp;After 15 minutes of explaining to a two year old that he could not have anymore cars under any circumstances, we left with four. &nbsp;I know I know, we are either going to have to limit our strolls through the toy store after lunches with Dad OR learn to say no a little more effectively. &nbsp;However, this was the best $20 ever spent in Toy Land. &nbsp;Evans hasn't made a ruckus, has not fought us and has not cried at nap time or bed time since. &nbsp;Don't think I haven't had my mother-in-law at the Disney Store in Atlanta buying up every character we don't already have. &nbsp;And then filled in online at Amazon. &nbsp;I'll use these babies as bribes at every turn of the road. &nbsp;I am not above anything when it comes to sleeping normal hours. <br /><br />Lightning McQueen really is working overtime in our house. &nbsp;I have not really thought much about potty training yet with Evans because it isn't even 2.5 yet and frankly, I can't think of anything more inconvenient for me. &nbsp;Nice huh? &nbsp;But really, we are out and about so much that I can only imagine the horrors of it all. &nbsp;Anyways, we were recently out and came across some Cars toddler briefs that we went ahead and bought for E. &nbsp;We haven't been super consistent but on the days that I have been home and let him wear them, he has not had an accident. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8v6vIBfs0s/URACp_8vGWI/AAAAAAAACc4/DvqSmCWTNxE/s1600/photo-319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8v6vIBfs0s/URACp_8vGWI/AAAAAAAACc4/DvqSmCWTNxE/s400/photo-319.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I realize that when you put your child on the potty every 20-30 minutes you don't allow them much margin for error but for a child who had never once been on the potty before, I've been pretty impressed the past few days. &nbsp;Today he sported some Finn McMissle underwear, or, his "finn missle pants". &nbsp;I guess we will see how that continues to go. &nbsp;I'm not brave enough to take him out of the house with them on.<br /><br />In other news, the big new sport to play in our house resembles lacrosse.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyF64PvxCzo/URAHTviHg3I/AAAAAAAACdA/HBL1X1QjsJA/s1600/photo-320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyF64PvxCzo/URAHTviHg3I/AAAAAAAACdA/HBL1X1QjsJA/s400/photo-320.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>It is played with a miniature soccer ball and my hand strainer. &nbsp;It makes for a very exciting sport when played in socks on the marble floors. &nbsp;As y'all can tell, not a ton of very exciting things have been happening around here. &nbsp;It might be time for me to paint a room or something. <br /><br />Well, Madeline is almost over and tonight is my night for bath/bedtime duty. &nbsp;We have a birthday party to go to in the morning and then I'm counting on a nice long nap time. &nbsp;I love the things that I plan ahead for! &nbsp;Happy Monday to everyone! Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-26319043079966944112013-01-28T10:27:00.000-05:002013-01-28T10:27:15.597-05:00Kindle Hijack <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A47VLJkQL4o/UQaVE6befpI/AAAAAAAACbo/M5wPmI0VUao/s1600/photo-317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A47VLJkQL4o/UQaVE6befpI/AAAAAAAACbo/M5wPmI0VUao/s400/photo-317.JPG" width="217" /></a></div>Yesterday this sweet looking child brought my Kindle Fire to me and asked if he could have some new app/game. &nbsp;I told him no way because he already has a million. &nbsp;I expected some crying but he took the negative response pretty well. &nbsp;At the time I was on my laptop sitting on the couch and he carried the Kindle back to the coffee table and continued playing whatever it was he was playing. &nbsp;A few minutes later my email programed dinged and I toggled over to see who had sent me an email. &nbsp;Huh. &nbsp;It was from Amazon. &nbsp;Confirming my recent purchase of an expansion pack to the game Cars/Trucks. &nbsp;The exact game I had told Evans no he couldn't have. &nbsp;My first thought was that E had gone to ask Deaner who would of course bought it for him without thinking twice about it however, Evans hadn't left his spot at the coffee table since my answer of no. &nbsp;Upon further inspection it was confirmed that yes, my two year old does in fact know how to use Amazon's easy 1-click purchasing. &nbsp;The same awesome program that saves me from getting up to find my wallet each time I need to buy something has made it so easy to purchase things that my toddler can do it. &nbsp;I suppose I had the chance to cancel the ordered app but I was so impressed (and he had already installed it) that I just let him keep it. &nbsp;I guess it might be time to look into what those parental controls offer after all. Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-10802809219026026732013-01-22T09:58:00.000-05:002013-01-22T09:58:10.399-05:00Rascal Anyone? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zb1ey5QUItk/UP2QIqKaAFI/AAAAAAAACWM/xrpFR4fbsbs/s1600/photo-302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zb1ey5QUItk/UP2QIqKaAFI/AAAAAAAACWM/xrpFR4fbsbs/s400/photo-302.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I could hardly keep from posting this picture on Facebook over the weekend but I told myself it would be worth it to save for a beginning of the week blog. &nbsp;I have treated myself to several private viewings over the course of the weekend and I have to admit that I have laughed whole heartedly each and very time. &nbsp;Is that mean? &nbsp;Does anyone else ever find themselves in a predicament where their husbands are forced into doing something that is so comical yet not entirely appropriate to laugh at? <br />Deaner took the prize this weekend when we decided to hit up the Exchange about an hour from our house. &nbsp;After being cooped up in our house all day on Saturday we put on our brave faces and forged into the snowy weather to Ramstein. &nbsp;After a canceled trip to Paris and a last minute decision not to join friends at the aquarium in Koln (snow, ice and subarctic temperatures do not mix well with hobbling slowly on crutches) we were bored out of our minds so we headed to the bigger, better American base for some shopping, a movie and a dinner at Macaroni Grill. &nbsp;Unfortunately for Deaner that mean navigating the GIANT PX on the base. &nbsp;When we first got there D and I joked about the Rascals that were lined up in the front of the store, plugged in the wall juicing up, just waiting to be ridden around. &nbsp;He denied the need for one but I knew it was just a matter of time before he broke down. &nbsp;I have been on crutches myself (albeit normal lazy American ones that you can lean all your weight on) and I knew he would be uncomfortable within 15 minutes. &nbsp;I just had to bide my time and wait for him to breakdown.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hGJQlfQQE/UP2Zd_72mNI/AAAAAAAACXU/7Z_mmukKVHM/s1600/photo-304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hGJQlfQQE/UP2Zd_72mNI/AAAAAAAACXU/7Z_mmukKVHM/s400/photo-304.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;When he finally did, you better believe I had my phone ready to snap the picture. &nbsp;I could not stop laughing but I didn't feel super bad because Deaner was cracking up too. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKFZ38j-5nM/UP2ZoFOVV0I/AAAAAAAACXc/vQZh8rKichs/s1600/photo-303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKFZ38j-5nM/UP2ZoFOVV0I/AAAAAAAACXc/vQZh8rKichs/s400/photo-303.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Please feel free to laugh out loud. &nbsp;Deaner's Rascal came complete with a storage space for his "sticks" (as Evans refers to the crutches). &nbsp;He was definitely the youngest and thinnest person riding around the PX on one of these. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;Evans got to enjoy his first ice cream cone this weekend too. &nbsp;This child has always rejected anything cold and has never showed any interest in ice cream AT ALL. &nbsp;Then, just like that, on Sunday he started asking us over and over for ice cream. &nbsp;I think he saw it on TV or in one of the games he plays but he acted like an old pro when we let him have some.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOnTCqPL6W8/UP56VJLn-sI/AAAAAAAACaA/5JcvqZg6Gbs/s1600/photo-306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOnTCqPL6W8/UP56VJLn-sI/AAAAAAAACaA/5JcvqZg6Gbs/s400/photo-306.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>He also did really well in his first movie. &nbsp;The last twenty minutes or so he started to get antsy but he hadn't taken a nap and it was dinner time. &nbsp;We have been having a rough time at night lately with E and him not wanting to go to sleep. &nbsp;I know we are still adjusting from being in the States but I'm pretty much over it and the sound of his screams at night are very tiring. &nbsp;Anyways.<br /><br />It has pretty much snowed every day in the past week. &nbsp;I'm not much of a snow person but Evans and Deaner have had a good time with it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjdGAoQVnjs/UP55OrKMQhI/AAAAAAAACZw/0STcyV24yLE/s1600/photo-311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjdGAoQVnjs/UP55OrKMQhI/AAAAAAAACZw/0STcyV24yLE/s400/photo-311.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fG4gHlceHIY/UP55l8lqBpI/AAAAAAAACZ4/TvmK4_4Tpfo/s1600/photo-310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fG4gHlceHIY/UP55l8lqBpI/AAAAAAAACZ4/TvmK4_4Tpfo/s400/photo-310.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Evans got quite a kick out of throwing the snowballs that Daddy made for him at me, on the other side of the glass door. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIrY1X-bqyo/UP56qRDTETI/AAAAAAAACaI/22XM_FcbS0A/s1600/photo-314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIrY1X-bqyo/UP56qRDTETI/AAAAAAAACaI/22XM_FcbS0A/s400/photo-314.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>They even built Mama a little snowman. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yDkJO05zgY/UP57PYOogFI/AAAAAAAACag/Bt1ea6Gh4Ss/s1600/photo-308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yDkJO05zgY/UP57PYOogFI/AAAAAAAACag/Bt1ea6Gh4Ss/s400/photo-308.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23DD2UmAPw/UP57HiCmxgI/AAAAAAAACaY/Vq0_SQh2sSU/s1600/photo-309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23DD2UmAPw/UP57HiCmxgI/AAAAAAAACaY/Vq0_SQh2sSU/s400/photo-309.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqCOA7AWGaw/UP57FJqRFPI/AAAAAAAACaQ/2ccbqelOdhA/s1600/photo-312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqCOA7AWGaw/UP57FJqRFPI/AAAAAAAACaQ/2ccbqelOdhA/s400/photo-312.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Got to love long weekends. &nbsp;I'm already waiting for Presidents Day. &nbsp;Perhaps everyone in our house will be healthy, walking and sleeping again by then and we can take another shot at Paris. &nbsp;Today will be spent trying to work my way to the bottom of the dirty laundry pile (while will no doubt take longer than today) and picking up the 32984039 hot wheels, matchbox cars and Thomas trains that cover my entire first floor right now. &nbsp;Since Evans just looked at me and said "night night Mama" we are off for nap time, praying again about that screaming issue. &nbsp;Happy Tuesday! <br /><span id="goog_639714962"></span><span id="goog_639714963"></span><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-21361335038757872652013-01-14T10:24:00.000-05:002013-01-14T10:24:14.878-05:00Returning to Normal?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOuoaWrkQz0/UPMc2D4ekVI/AAAAAAAACT0/otShgFUtsp4/s1600/photo-298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOuoaWrkQz0/UPMc2D4ekVI/AAAAAAAACT0/otShgFUtsp4/s400/photo-298.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Well, SOME things are returning to normal, that is. &nbsp;Evans's thirst has returned even if his desire to sleep without screaming for hours on end first hasn't. &nbsp;I'd seriously consider letting him drink this if I thought it would ease him into dreamland safely! &nbsp;We are currently watching Cars for about the 239832098 time whilst NOT taking our afternoon siesta that Mama has so looked forward to everyday this week. It's a good thing that I like Cars and watching Evans watch it is pretty dang funny. &nbsp;Still, to be wrapped up snug in my bed would be better.....The high today in Germany is 28 and it was 21 this morning when I got into the car to take Evans to school. &nbsp;I could complain but Deaner is in Brussels on crutches and the high there as only 21! &nbsp;It's cold to say the least but at least the sun has been shining, a rare delight! &nbsp;So it looks like it will be another week of trying to adjust. &nbsp;Like I said, Deaner had to go to Brussels until Wednesday but he was supposed to stay until Friday so I'll take it. &nbsp;I don't know how he is getting around there with his FDR crutches and I really don't know how he is taking his prescribed meds. &nbsp;When we picked them up last week we were both shocked to see that THIS was what he was supposed to be taking!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzhNate9ltk/UPQbqa-KS6I/AAAAAAAACU8/NI-22NSWaHY/s1600/photo-299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzhNate9ltk/UPQbqa-KS6I/AAAAAAAACU8/NI-22NSWaHY/s400/photo-299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Injections?!?! &nbsp;Are you kidding me? &nbsp;I'm not sure why a German doctor would be concerned about a blood clot being caused by a sprained ankle but these injections are some serious business. &nbsp;When Deaner left yesterday his poor stomach was covered in little thumbprint sized bruises. &nbsp;I would have flat out refused to do them but Deaner takes his meds seriously. &nbsp;:) What a good patient. &nbsp;Who knows, he could be doing them completely wrong as we only have this massive instruction manual to refer to. &nbsp;Too bad it's all in German! &nbsp;Thank god for the pictures illustrating how to pinch your belly fat! <br /><br />Besides all our other "excitement" in the past few weeks things are finally starting to slow down. &nbsp;I have all the suitcases unpacked, only a week later. &nbsp;All the Christmas boxes have arrived and those too have been unpacked . &nbsp;It's amazing how much stuff we accumulate each time we travel home. &nbsp;I think it should be a goal of mine not to order anything from Amazon for the next month. &nbsp;Evans is back in school and hopefully we will get this sleeping thing down again soon. &nbsp;Deaner and I have planned a last minute trip this weekend to Paris and it is going to be a long weekend if we have a two year old who refuses to sleep. &nbsp;He might really get his first taste of French wine if that is the case. <br /><br />Off to figure out what gourmet meal I am going to whip up for Evans and myself tonight. &nbsp;So many choices with a 2 year old that would be happy eating french fries and chicken nuggets every night. &nbsp;Tonight I am not going to stay up until the wee hours in the morning perusing Parisians attractions. &nbsp;Tomorrow I will post my book list from 2012 so stay tuned and start thinking up some good recommendations for me! <br /><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-74090634898298361722013-01-13T14:21:00.000-05:002013-01-15T13:42:52.971-05:00Book List 2012When I started keeping track of books that I had read I had no idea that I was entering such a fierce competition with myself. &nbsp;My goal was simply to remember what books I'd read and the only way to do that was to physically write them down. &nbsp;I started keeping collections sorted by year on my Kindle as well as a word document that I constantly updated. &nbsp;It was nice at the end of 2011 to be able to see the 37 novels I completed during the year and starting in 2012 my only goal was to read more than 37 in the current year. &nbsp;It became clear halfway through 2012 that I would definitely reach my 37 novel goal so my loftier goal became 50. &nbsp;I have to admit that I was at times FRANTIC for new recommendations as I scrambled to reach 50 books. Sadly, I fell short, halfway through book 48 on New Year's Eve. &nbsp;Ah well. &nbsp;I suppose this gives me something to work towards in 2013. &nbsp;So without further ado, here is my complete list of books read in 2012. &nbsp;There is a little bit of everything on here so I'm sure that everyone reading could pick SOMETHING that they would enjoy!<br /><br />2012 Books<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">48. The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">47.The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">46. The Inconvenient Wife by Megan Chance<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">45. I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">44. The Midwife’s Confession by Diane Chamberlain<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">43. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">42. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">41. Reached by Ally Condie<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">40. Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">39. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">38. The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santos**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">37. Defending Jacob by William Landay<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">36. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">35. This One Is Mine by Maria Semple<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">34. Outlander by Diana Giabaldon<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">33. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">32. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">31. The Spire by Robert North Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">30. The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">29. Where We Belong by Emily Giffin<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">28. My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">27. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">26. Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">25. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">24. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">23. Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">22. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">21. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">20. The Life Boat by Charlotte Rogan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">19. My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">18. A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">17. The American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">16. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">15. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">14. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">13. The 19<sup>th</sup> Wife by David Ebershoff<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">12. Miss Penegrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">11. The Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">10. The Darlings by Cristina Alger<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">9. The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern**<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">8. State of Wonder by Anne Patchett **<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">7. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">6. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Crossed by Ally Condi<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4. Matched by Ally Condi<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">3. The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain **<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2. Bitter Is The New Black by Jennifer Lancaster<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've denoted my favorites with an **. &nbsp;Sorry E. L. James, I just could not endorse the ridiculousness that was your 50 Shades trilogy. &nbsp;Sorry Jen Lancaster and Jenny Lawson, y'all both still really bug me. &nbsp;David Ebershoff, I really enjoyed The 19th Wife and found the story very interesting but what I have taken with me and all I recall after months of reading this is that Brigham Young was a total dirtbag. &nbsp;Eowyn Ivey, I really didn't enjoy reading The Snow Child, so I am not sure why it ended up being one that I liked so much. &nbsp;Odd phenomenon for sure. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a good reading reading wise. &nbsp;I'm looking forward to 2013 and hoping that it brings as many good ones as this past year. &nbsp;As always, I'm open to any and all suggestions. &nbsp;Happy reading y'all!&nbsp;</div><!--EndFragment-->Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-79722370537705375352013-01-10T15:50:00.001-05:002013-01-10T16:06:12.440-05:00Am I Being Punked?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I woke up this morning at 10:00am I had no idea how the morning was going to turn out. &nbsp;I have a 2 year old who cried for three hours straight last night and a husband on Franklin Delano Roosevelt crutches who can't do anything for himself but sit on the couch. &nbsp;I should have taken my cue about how the morning would play out by the first thing that happened to me. &nbsp;Please observe my seemingly innocent German refrigerator.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1R6WfMsTCU/UO8TKHgTdoI/AAAAAAAACRo/D0KQAeVgrdc/s1600/photo-296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1R6WfMsTCU/UO8TKHgTdoI/AAAAAAAACRo/D0KQAeVgrdc/s400/photo-296.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a sleepy daze at 10am I leaned over to open the freezer on the bottom to replace Evans's hashbrowns. &nbsp;Except that instead of pulling on the freezer door I accidentally pulled on the refrigerator door. &nbsp;Hard. &nbsp;Nearly knocking myself unconscious while crumpling to the floor. &nbsp;I was so shocked I started to cry but five minutes later I could not stop laughing. &nbsp;I think this was an omen of what was to come. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like I need to set the stage a bit for y'all so you can understand just how funny this next episode was. &nbsp;When we come home from vacation our house always looks like a tornado has blown through it. This time is no different and perhaps much much worse. &nbsp;Since Richard has hurt his foot and can't do anything, only half of the suitcases have made it up the stairs. &nbsp;The other half are in a state of half unpacked all around my living room. &nbsp;Last night two of our three Christmas boxes arrived and are also adding to the disarray around my den. &nbsp;Bottom line, my house has never looked so awful. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around 11:00am this morning we were all lounging around the den in our pajamas. &nbsp;I realize this sounds very lazy but when you listen to a jet lagged child scream for three hours a night, you take your relaxation when you can get it. &nbsp;Richard was laid up on the couch with ice on his ankle and Evans and I were cutting into a new toy while debating which toys had to be moved up to the playroom to make room for the new ones. &nbsp;There were breakfast dishes on the table, breakfast remains on Evans's highchair (which was also in the den) and you could sum up the state of the house by saying there was crap everywhere. &nbsp;Cue the doorbell. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Horror stricken I looked at Deaner, who of course couldn't help me, and realized I was going to have to go see who it was. &nbsp;Hoping it was just my neighbor I went down and answered the door looking T-terrible. &nbsp;The German at the front door went into some long spiel I didn't understand until he finally switched to English, stating he was from the CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES! &nbsp;Ummmm, come again?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I swear, even after the words sunk in, I stood there like a dope. &nbsp;Thankfully the dude spoke English and was able to explain that he was there because he had received notice from Frankfurt that I had not taken &nbsp;Evans to his two year old check up with his pediatrician. &nbsp;Even after I started comprehending what the guy was saying all I could think was "no one would ever come to my house in the US even if I never took my child to ANY doctor's appointments EVER". &nbsp; SO.......I had to invite this man into my tornado devastated house so that he could inspect Evans's pediatrician records. &nbsp;For once I was grateful for my OCD because I knew exactly where the records were he was requesting to see. &nbsp;I could tell that the guy was embarrassed because it was clearly a mistake but imagine having to invite Child Protection Services into your house full knowing what it is going to look like. &nbsp;The cherry on the top is that when he was looking at the records Evans was walking around the room announcing he had "poo poo pants". &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sigh. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it rains, it pours. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At least my ankle doesn't look like this. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wF4tiHBHQms/UO8nryIRwQI/AAAAAAAACSs/YUzD79p2c3g/s1600/photo-297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wF4tiHBHQms/UO8nryIRwQI/AAAAAAAACSs/YUzD79p2c3g/s400/photo-297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is all. &nbsp;</div><br />Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823847195614641236.post-75884869220713291582013-01-09T13:36:00.000-05:002013-01-09T13:36:02.262-05:00Rough Re-entry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yx291Y6_B0/UO2q6ZkkXGI/AAAAAAAACKU/OBaFihTG1H8/s1600/photo-292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yx291Y6_B0/UO2q6ZkkXGI/AAAAAAAACKU/OBaFihTG1H8/s640/photo-292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Jet lag sucks. &nbsp;That is really all I have to say about that. &nbsp;For the past two nights Evans has been up between 12:30am and 6:15am. &nbsp;The whole time. &nbsp;For those of you who can't count, that is 5 hours and 15 minutes. &nbsp;In the middle of the night. &nbsp;With a polite request for "schickens" around 5am each night. &nbsp;Nine schickens to be exact along with a side of "light a'queen baby juice" (apple juice only consumed out of his Lightening McQueen Cars sippy cup [forget the 984 other perfectly adequate cups we own]). &nbsp; &nbsp;I'm tired. &nbsp;And I'm sick of this being what I see at all the inappropriate hours of the day. &nbsp;And I'm REALLY sick of MY bed being the only venue in which Evans will actually close his eyes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehXFi7BBfFw/UO2xojJcxeI/AAAAAAAACLY/TXE5oXmXjjA/s1600/photo-288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehXFi7BBfFw/UO2xojJcxeI/AAAAAAAACLY/TXE5oXmXjjA/s400/photo-288.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I was super ambitious when we left the States making all sorts of declarations about how Evans was starting school again the Wednesday we returned. &nbsp;Yeah right. &nbsp;There was no way we were getting out of bed this morning. <br /><br />In other news it has been quite an eventful beginning of the year. &nbsp;Amidst all this jet lag business Deaner managed to go out for a quick run last night and somehow fall off the curb and into the street. &nbsp;I know I know, I laughed when he told me too. &nbsp;Thankfully he was close to home and was able to hobble back but when he took off his sock and showed me the swelling, it took my breath away. &nbsp;After a trip to the ER this morning he was told that he has torn ligaments in his foot, should stay home from work for a week and has all sort of ridiculous things that need to be done, including giving himself shots in the stomach? &nbsp;He has been laid up and not feeling great. &nbsp;Here is the best part. &nbsp;He has to use German crutches. &nbsp;For those that don't what this means..........<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y57aNlgP7qY/UO20-CdjvCI/AAAAAAAACMc/i-CF8JAh42g/s1600/photo-290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y57aNlgP7qY/UO20-CdjvCI/AAAAAAAACMc/i-CF8JAh42g/s400/photo-290.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>It's only the funniest thing you have ever seen. &nbsp;Above is Deaner trying to crutch away at a quick clip so that I couldn't take his picture. &nbsp;Unfortunately for him these arm brace like contraptions are practically impossible to navigate. &nbsp;I mean, I can't understand why anyone would ever use these but they are all that the Germans ever use. &nbsp;You can't even reach for anything on these without them falling over on the floor! &nbsp;Ridiculous. &nbsp;But thankfully they came with these really useful instructions.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtS4EXtiPI4/UO22GjrFkTI/AAAAAAAACNE/wqeQN9dcLzQ/s1600/photo-291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtS4EXtiPI4/UO22GjrFkTI/AAAAAAAACNE/wqeQN9dcLzQ/s400/photo-291.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I'll have to be really careful about where I throw my banana peels for the next few weeks. &nbsp;I shouldn't be laughing but it is pretty comical. &nbsp;If I ever hurt my leg/foot here, I think I would have some crutches imported from the States. &nbsp;I'm just sayin.......<br /><br />Off to give the child a bath and then perhaps a large dose of Benedryl (to help his coughing!). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEiqUQr8f00/UO23VeZAROI/AAAAAAAACOk/MDNvDqWTAr8/s1600/photo-293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEiqUQr8f00/UO23VeZAROI/AAAAAAAACOk/MDNvDqWTAr8/s400/photo-293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Considering E just kissed me on every inch of my face asking to go take a bath I suppose I will oblige. &nbsp;Everyone send up a little prayer for a better night sleep tonight! &nbsp;Happy Wednesday!Gleatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257700072233031544noreply@blogger.com1